London Football
Robertson Arrives at Tottenham with 26 and Other Shirt Options in Play
Robertson has joined Tottenham and may reclaim the shirt number that has defined much of his career.
Andy Robertson’s arrival at Tottenham was delivered with plain enthusiasm and a short video recorded from Scotland’s training base in the U.S. ahead of this summer’s World Cup. Slightly sunburnt, he told supporters: “I cannot wait to play for you guys, I cannot wait to meet you guys, I cannot wait to play in the stadium for the first time in front of you,” and added, “I’m already looking forward to next season.”
Roberto De Zerbi welcomed Robertson at the club’s announcement, saying: “I can’t wait to start working with him and seeing the positive impact he will have on everyone around him.” He continued: “Andy is someone I’ve admired for a number of years and he will bring outstanding technical qualities, experience, leadership and mentality to our team. He is a proven winner at the highest level over a long period and is someone who can be a big player for us, both on and off the pitch.”
The club’s announcement video focused on someone applying lettering to the back of a Spurs shirt, with Robertson’s name visible and no number applied. That absence underlines a small but significant question as Spurs prepare for a busy summer window and a squad rebuild following consecutive 17th-place Premier League finishes.
Several shirt numbers could become available. The last players to wear those digits were: 2 Matt Doherty, 5 Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, 6 João Palhinha, 12 Emerson Royal, 26 Ledley King and 27 Manor Solomon. Numbers 2, 5 and 12 were unused across the 2025–26 campaign, and João Palhinha’s loan is not expected to be made permanent, which would free No. 6.
There is also uncertainty over whether loanees will return and keep their numbers, including Luka Vušković (16), Yan Min-hyeok (18) and Kota Takai (25). Robertson has worn several numbers through his career but has been most associated with 26. His career record shows spells in which he used 11 and 3 at Queen’s Park, 26 at Dundee United and Hull City, 3 again at Hull City, and 26 at Liverpool from 2017 to 2026. On that choice he said: “There was no meaning behind it really,” and later reflected, “Just so happens, things have fallen on the 26th since then, such as my son being born!” He concluded, “So it means a lot to me.”
London Football
Tottenham’s summer spending marks a clear break with past restraint
Tonali and Fernandes signings show Tottenham have widened spending remit after survival. A new era..
Roberto De Zerbi set the tone after a difficult 2025–26 campaign, telling reporters: “Now we have to move on and to prepare the future of our club.” That phrase now reads like a mandate. De Zerbi stabilised a squad that had been destabilised after a brief Igor Tudor era and kept Spurs in the Premier League, and the hierarchy has moved quickly to supply him with the midfield reinforcements he demanded.
Years of tight transfer discipline under Daniel Levy have given way to a much more expansive approach since ENIC’s recent injections of £235 million ($314 million) in 18 months. The club supplemented free-agent additions Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi with Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton & Hove Albion, a transfer that Levy, via Simon Jordan, said had “pulled Tottenham’s trousers down” by prompting the club to spend £52 million ($70 million) on a centre back entering the final year of his contract. Back in 2019 Levy believed Spurs would become “one of the biggest clubs in the world.” The current window suggests the new regime is prepared to act in pursuit of that ambition.
Coming off a season that flirted with relegation, Spurs appear determined to avoid previous patterns of settling for second-best. Sandro Tonali arrived despite interest from Manchester City and Arsenal, while Mateus Fernandes had suitors including Manchester United and Real Madrid. Those rivalries for recruits underline the scale of Tottenham’s change in posture: the club is now willing to meet competition with decisive offers, including payments to Newcastle and West Ham United to close deals.
De Zerbi has prioritised midfield balance. Tonali and Fernandes are capable of operating as a No. 6 or No. 8. Fernandes is described as providing tenacity, press-resistance and an ambitious passing range and is likely to act as Spurs’ build-up orchestrator. Tonali, who has a personal connection to the manager, brings intensity and engine. De Zerbi will demand active involvement from both players; the signings aim to have the pair ready for the start of the 2026/27 season.
London Football
Why Tonali Chose Tottenham and the New Squad Numbers Confirmed
Sandro Tonali says Tottenham was his only option after a two-hour meeting; he will wear shirt No. 16
Tottenham Hotspur have again broken their transfer record to sign midfielder Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United, a deal that completes a notable midfield investment under new manager Roberto De Zerbi.
Tonali said the choice was straightforward. “I’m very happy to be here,” he told club media. “When I arrived at the Club today, it felt fantastic. People said about there being four or five clubs—there was only one.
“I spoke to the Head Coach for close to two hours about the Club, the fans, the stadium and our football. It was like magic because I knew immediately that I had to sign for Tottenham. I’ve played against Tottenham a few times and always found a great atmosphere made by great fans. I can’t wait to start the season.”
De Zerbi welcomed the signing and explained his long-term interest. “Sandro is a special player and a great signing for our Club.
“I have followed him for a long time, as he came through the youth system at my hometown club, Brescia, and I’m so happy to be working with him now. Given his qualities, there was a lot of interest in Sandro this summer. However, he was very clear in his desire to join Tottenham, and I know our fans will love what he brings to the team.”
The arrival of Tonali is part of a wider squad rebuild overseen by De Zerbi, who reunited with former Brighton & Hove Albion center back Jan Paul van Hecke before directing a significant midfield spend. Fernandes has been given the No. 18 shirt, and Tonali will wear No. 16.
The No. 16 represents a change for Tonali at club and international level. He has spent the majority of his senior career wearing the No. 8 shirt, apart from his time at Brescia when he wore No. 4. The club and manager will now look to integrate Tonali as they prepare for the season ahead.
London Football
Why Mateus Fernandes Chose Tottenham and how Tonali’s Arrival Fits the Plan
Mateus Fernandes joins Tottenham for a club-record fee; he cites the Head Coach as decisive, Tonali.
Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of midfielder Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United, paying a club-record fee to beat Manchester United to his signature. The move reunites Spurs with a young midfielder who the club believe matches their style and temperament.
“I’m very excited for this next step,” Fernandes explained. “Spurs is a massive club and the Head Coach was a key part of why I have decided to join.
“When we spoke, it was very special. We look at football in the same way—going onto the pitch as a strong team, with fight and energy, to try and win every game. I can’t wait to get started, to meet the fans, to meet everyone, and give everything for the Club.”
Head Coach De Zerbi underlined why the club pursued Fernandes and how he sees the player fitting into Tottenham’s midfield. “I’ve admired Mateus for a long time because he combines quality on the ball with the intensity and intelligence that are so important in the way we want to play.
“Despite his age, he already has good experience in the Premier League and has shown quality and consistency at this level. Mateus is comfortable under pressure, can progress the ball, works hard for the team and has the courage to make things happen in difficult moments.
“I believe this is the ideal environment for him to continue his development and I’m excited to start working with him.”
Fernandes will not be the only midfielder arriving this summer. Spurs have already sealed an agreement to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United in a deal which will once again break the team’s transfer record. Tonali boarded a flight from Milan on Thursday to finalise his switch to Spurs. He is due to join in a package worth as much as $132.8 million (£100 million), the vast majority of which is guaranteed.
As he prepared to depart for Spurs, Tonali spoke to Sky in Italy about his impending move and, like Fernandes, pointed to the importance of De Zerbi. The two signings together underline Tottenham’s midfield overhaul ahead of the 2026/27 season.
