Some empty squad numbers hint at absolutely nothing but some expose a gap. Arsenal need a 2, Manchester United a 4 and Liverpool…
Arsenal: 2
An actual right-back is a priority for Arsenal this summer, despite Ben White serving with no little distinction in that position during their unlikely title challenge. Joao Cancelo is one option, though history suggests he would rather rip the No. 7 shirt from Bukayo Saka’s back. No chance of that scenario, fella, so he could have the choice of the No. 2 (which he wore at Valencia) or the No. 27 (which he initially wore at Manchester City).
Aston Villa: 8
This is neat. Just as Morgan Sanson leaves (presumably), Youri Tielemans arrives (probably).
Bournemouth: 3 and 8
With Matias Vina back at Roma and Jordan Zemura having left on a free transfer, Bournemouth need a new left-back. But the truth is that the No. 2 will likely go back on the back of Jack Stephens, who the Cherries would like to sign permanently from Southampton. The need for a No. 8 is more pressing with Jefferson Lerma leaving this summer on a free transfer.
Brentford: 7
Sergi Canos might still officially be a Bee but he is unlikely to ever don the No. 7 shirt again after wearing it with no little distinction since 2018. Reiss Nelson might have passed them by but it’s fair to say that the Bees will target some more creativity from wide areas next season.
Brighton: 3, 6, 8, 9, 10 and 11
The problem with having a high turnover of players is that you often end up with empty squad numbers. Brighton don’t need a No. 3 to replace Marc Cucurella because they have Pervis Estupinan in the No. 30 shirt; they would quite like to see Levi Colwill take the No. 6 permanently; Enock Mwepu’s early retirement left the No. 8 shirt open for a possible Julio Enciso promotion; they always need a No. 9 though Evan Ferguson might have done enough to earn a promotion; new record signing Joao Pedro will likely take the 10; Kaoru Mitoma would make a good case for halving his current 22.
Burnley: 1, 2, 5, 6 and 10
Aro Muric is No. 1 in all but number despite the 49 on his back; the 2 could be Ian Maatsen’s if he joins permanently from Chelsea, though a 2 at left-back is all kinds of wrong; Burnley undoubtedly need new recruits at centre-half, though Jordan Beyer could get a shirt promotion after his move was made permanent; who would dare take Ashey Barnes’ No. 10?
Chelsea: 2, 3, 7 and 11
Chelsea do not need first-choice full-backs, though a back-up at right-back would not go amiss and he could potentially take the No. 2 shirt last worn by Antonio Rudiger. We fully expect Chelsea to need a new No. 9 when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is paid to bugger off, with Romelu Lukaku unlikely to want to reclaim that cursed number. The 7 (vacated by N’Golo Kante) would be a prized shirt and Mykhaylo Mudryk might fancy that ahead of his current 15, while Christopher Nkunku could take the 11. For a club with a f*** of a lot of players, that’s a lot of empty squad numbers.
Crystal Palace: 1, 4, 8 and 11
Palace are in no need of a No. 1, while the 8 is likely to be taken by new arrival Jefferson Lerma. That leaves the 4 and 11 and represents Palace’s priorities for the summer (assuming they can keep hold of Marc Guehi): another combative central midfielder and a goalscorer. Central midfielder Eberechi Eze was their top scorer last season and that simply won’t do.
Everton: 6 and 10
Everton will once again be shopping in the discount stores this summer and, as is traditional, they are likely to look towards Manchester United. So Scott McTominay and Wout Weghorst it is then.
Fulham: 3 and 5
Fulham have a pretty settled squad so the empty numbers are more circumstantial rather than any evidence of a transfer need; left-back Antonee Robinson wears the 33 and Issa Diop wears the 31. Cover in both positions would not go amiss, mind.
Liverpool: 7, 8 and 9
Liverpool’s midfield issues are laid bare after the departures of James Milner and Naby Keita, with new signing Alexis Mac Allister taking the No. 10 in a possible hint at a more advanced role. The No. 9 is a bit of a red herring, though it will be fascinating to see if the Reds deem Darwin Nunez worthy of the upgrade. Harvey Elliott might make a case for the 7.
Luton Town: 2, 5, 6 and 7
Right-wing-back is an obvious problem area for Luton with Cody Drameh returning to Leeds United, while Marvelous Nakamba could have his pick of numbers if he makes his move from Villa permanent. Like Burnley, there is significant work to do on squad depth.
Manchester City: 1, 7 and 11
We don’t think the No. 1 is an issue. We don’t think much is an issue at all, even if Ilkay Gundogan vacates the No. 8, with Mateo Kovacic a straight swap there. The big question is really whether City even bother with actual full-backs going forward. And whether Rico Lewis and Cole Palmer can get out of the 80s.
Manchester United: 4 and 7
Manchester United would quite like to hand their No. 4 to a Declan Rice-style signing as they need a foil for Casemiro, while the No. 7 is an iconic shirt that should only be filled by a man with an ego to match. Could that be Alejandro Garnacho or Antony? Or will it be a new stellar signing? United really need a new striker but will they wait for Antony Martial (9) to sod off first?
Newcastle United: None
We await decisions on Paul Dummett (3) and Matt Ritchie (11), but that does not detract from Newcastle’s need for a dedicated, high-quality left-back and more depth in wide positions, with James Maddison perhaps the prime target there.
Nottingham Forest: 1, 8 and 11
The No. 1 shirt is likely to be filled by Dean Henderson but Jack Colback and Jesse Lingard depart to leave Forest needing more quality out wide but also in central midfield. It’s a short list of holes compared to last summer.
Sheffield United: 3, 5, 10 and 11
Max Lowe and Anel Ahmedhodzic might both be due upgrades to the key defensive numbers but the Blades clearly have work to do further up the pitch. What fool would take Billy Sharp’s number though?
Tottenham: 2, 3 and 11
How apt that a team that has functioned without full-backs under Antonio Conte has gaps at 2 and 3? In truth, this Spurs job needs surgery in many positions and James Maddison – if he signs – might have the pick of 8 (assuming Harry Winks does not return) and 11. You know what he can’t have? The number 10.
West Ham: None
The 6 has been retired so the Hammers have a full house. Though they might soon need a new 41. That should tempt Harvey Barnes.
Wolves: None
Julen Lopetegui might not want this particular 1-11, with only five of them starting the final-day shellacking by Arsenal.