TOTTENHAM fans were left bewildered after Radu Dragusin was handed the No3 shirt.
Forgotten man Dragusin, 23, has been out since suffering a serious knee injury against Elfsborg back in January.
The Romanian had worn No6 since signing for Spurs from Genoa In January 2024.
But when he returns from his knee injury, the hulking centre-back will wear No3.
Speaking to Tottenham’s media team, Dragusin said: “I feel like this number represents me.
“I have been wearing it in the national team since three years ago and I just feel it really represents who I am – someone who is always ready to give everything for the team.
“Now, I’m really proud to wear it in north London.”
With No3 traditionally a left-back’s number, some Spurs fans have been left disappointed by the change – particularly as it hints that Thomas Frank’s side will not recruit anyone in that position ahead of the transfer deadline.
One called the change: “Utter woke nonsense.”
While a second huffed: “The game’s gone.”
A third whined: “A CB with the 3 shirt? I hate it.”
And another added: “Weird way to announce we’re not buying cover for Udogie again.”
Destiny Udogie is likely to miss the start of the season, having been absent from Spurs’ Asia tour due to injury.
Djed Spence deputised superbly in Tottenham’s 1-0 win over Arsenal last Thursday, while Ben Davies featured at left-back as Spurs drew 1-1 with Newcastle on Sunday.
Micky van de Ven has also featured at left-back on occasion for the Lilywhites – including against Manchester City last term.
With Dragusin having vacated his number, new signing Joao Palhinha will wear Tottenham’s No6 shirt next season.
The former Fulham midfielder signed for Spurs on a one-year loan from Bayern Munich on Sunday.
Upon picking the number, Palhinha said: “It means a lot for me because of my grandfather… it’s the day that he left our family and since my grandfather died, if I have a look, a lot of important things in my life have happened on this day, with the number six.
“I can remember my first goal… everything that has been important in my career – not just the career, but in other things as well – most of the days have the number six.
“I’m a bit superstitious and I believe always that this number has an important meaning for me and my family and this is why I want to keep, if possible, the number with me on the shirt.”
Palhinha could feature for the first time in his new No6 shirt as Tottenham take on his parent club Bayern in a Munich friendly on Thursday.
The 30-year-old may then be in line for his competitive Spurs debut next Wednesday as Frank’s men take on Paris Saint-Germain in the European Super Cup.
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