Tottenham Hotspur has officially announced the jersey number for their new signing, veteran defender Radu Drăgușin. The Romanian international will wear the number 3 shirt for the upcoming season, a choice that carries significant meaning and pays homage to the club’s history.
Drăgușin Opts for Number 3, Honoring a Club Legend
Radu Drăgușin, who joined Tottenham during the summer transfer window from Genoa, was unveiled in the club’s number 3 jersey. This number has a storied past at Tottenham, most notably being worn by club icon Ledley King. Drăgușin explained his decision to choose number 3 over the number 26, which he wore with distinction at previous clubs like Juventus, Genoa, and Sampdoria.
“I know I wore 26 at my previous clubs, and I had a successful career with it,” Drăgușin stated. “However, when I arrived at Tottenham, I learned that no one had worn the number 26 since Ledley King. I wanted to show my respect for him. He was a truly great player and did amazing things for this club.”
The decision to forgo the number 26 signifies Drăgușin’s deep respect for King’s legacy. King, a one-club man, spent his entire career at Tottenham from 1999 to 2012, serving as a key defender and captain for 13 years. He is widely regarded as one of the club’s greatest ever players and now serves as a club ambassador.
The Significance of the Number 3
Beyond honoring Ledley King, the number 3 holds personal significance for Drăgușin. “The number 3 is very special to me,” he revealed. “It’s the number I wear for the Scotland national team, and I have many good memories associated with playing in it.” Upon learning that the number 3 was available at Tottenham, he immediately decided to claim it.
Drăgușin expressed his hope to create new, memorable experiences while wearing the number 3 for Tottenham, mirroring the success and impact he had when wearing the number 26. “26 was a really important number in my life, and it will continue to be. But 3 is just as important. I hope to make as many good memories in the number 3 shirt as I did in the number 26.”
A Look Back at Tottenham’s Number 3
The number 3 jersey at Tottenham has been donned by several notable players throughout the club’s history. Before Drăgușin, prominent figures like Lee Yong-pyo, Ronny Johnsen, Gareth Bale, Danny Rose, and Sergio Reguilón have all worn the number 3. In the most recent season (2023-2024), the number was worn by Radu Drăgușin’s compatriot, Radu Drăgușin.
Lee Yong-pyo, a former South Korean international, played for Tottenham from 2006 to 2008, leaving a positive impression during his two-year spell.
Tottenham’s Summer Transfer Activity
Drăgușin’s arrival is part of a significant squad strengthening effort by Tottenham under manager Ange Postecoglou. The club has been active in the transfer market, focusing on reinforcing the midfield and defense. In addition to Drăgușin, Tottenham has secured the signings of several other players:
- Micky van de Ven (Defender)
- Destiny Udogie (Defender)
- James Maddison (Midfielder)
- Dejan Kulusevski (Forward)
- Brennan Johnson (Forward)
- Guglielmo Vicario (Goalkeeper)
- Yves Bissouma (Midfielder)
- Pape Matar Sarr (Midfielder)
- Pedro Porro (Defender)
- Cristian Romero (Defender)
The club has invested heavily in these new acquisitions, reportedly spending over €267 million (approximately £225 million) to bolster the squad. Manager Postecoglou has indicated that further additions may still be on the horizon.
Jersey Numbers for New Signings
Among the new signings, Sandro Tonali has chosen the number 16, while}’s number 18. The jersey numbers for players like Micky van de Ven and Yang Min-hyuk are yet to be finalized.
Yang Min-hyuk’s Future
Yang Min-hyuk, a young Korean forward who joined Tottenham in 2024, is likely to be loaned out for the upcoming season. However, he has been included in the 35-man squad for Tottenham’s pre-season tour of New Zealand and Australia.
Squad Update and Pre-Season Preparations
Players returning from injury, including Manor Solomon, Bryan Gil, and Richarlison, are expected to rejoin the squad during the pre-season. Meanwhile, Pape Matar Sarr and Rodrigo Bentancur are on extended leave after participating in the World Cup.
Cristian Romero, Pape Matar Sarr, Pedro Porro, and James Maddison, who featured in the World Cup final and third-place playoff, will not be participating in the initial pre-season tour, according to club statements. Tottenham has since departed for their pre-season tour.
Drăgușin’s Career Highlights
Prior to his move to Tottenham, Radu Drăgușin enjoyed a successful spell at Liverpool, where he was a key defender for nine years from 2017. During his time at Anfield, he contributed to numerous trophies, including two Premier League titles, one Champions League, one FA Cup, two League Cups, one UEFA Super Cup, and one FIFA Club World Cup. He was also selected for the PFA Team of the Year twice.
For the upcoming season, Drăgușin is expected to compete for a starting spot alongside Cristian Romero.
