We have taken a closer look at the shirt number Tottenham’s potential record signing, Mateus Fernandes, could wear following his £85m move.Tottenham Hotspur have splashed the cash once again in this summer transfer window with the signing of Mateus Fernandes.The 21-year-old has long been coveted by the Lilywhites, who were involved in several negotiations with West Ham United before finally agreeing a fee.An £85m deal now makes the Portuguese international Spurs’ fifth signing of the summer, with the club beating Manchester United to his signature.Photo by Julian Finney/Getty ImagesWhat squad numbers are available for Mateus Fernandes at TottenhamThere is plenty of excitement within the Tottenham camp, with Spurs fans delighted to see the Fernandes deal completed.The young midfielder is now set to become Spurs’ record signing, with his price tag surpassing the £65m fee paid for Dominic Solanke back in 2024.Attention will soon turn to official confirmation and Fernandes’ first words as a Tottenham player, expected in the coming weeks. In the wake of that, Spurs Web have now taken a look at the shirt numbers Fernandes could most likely wear next season.During his senior career, Fernandes has worn several different numbers. At Sporting CP in 2023/24, he played with the number 82 shirt, a number he also kept while at GD Estoril Praia in the same season. His first change came in 2024/25 when he switched to number 28 at Sporting.That number did not stick, as Fernandes moved to Southampton later that season and adopted the number 18. Since then, 18 has remained his preferred choice, worn across the last three campaigns, including his most recent season with West Ham.Why number 18 looks most likely for Fernandes at SpursLooking at the shirt number vacancies at Spurs ahead of next season, several options stand out as potential numbers Fernandes could take.At present, the number 6 is expected to be vacant, with Joao Palhinha returning to Bayern Munich after his loan spell at Tottenham last season.However, there is talk that Palhinha could return to Spurs, and if that happens, it could make Fernandes less likely to take up the 6.The number 8 would also have been ideal for him as a midfielder, but Conor Gallagher has already moved to take that shirt following Yves Bissouma’s departure.That leaves number 18 as the most obvious pick. The last player to wear it was Yang Min-hyeok back in 2024/25. The South Korean international spent last season out on loan and is due to return to Spurs this summer. For now, the number 18 remains vacant, and Fernandes could well continue with the shirt he has worn for the past three seasons.READ MORE: How Roberto De Zerbi sold Mateus Fernandes on Tottenham project with multiple phone callsThe post We already know which Tottenham shirt number Mateus Fernandes is likely to take next season appeared first on Spurs Web.