The first thing fans ask when a big name joins Camp Nou is what number they have chosen. With German forward Karim Adeyemi officially announced as a barcelona player, that question is already being asked.
Adeyemi has preferred number, 27, which he wore during his breakout season at Red Bull Salzburg and subsequently at Dortmund. It appears that the German striker will finally have to say goodbye to his lucky number.
La Liga registration rules
The reason for this is actually not down to Barcelona, but rather La Liga’s strict registration rules, which are far stricter than the Bundesliga or EPL.
- The First Team Squad: Numbers 1-25
Any first team registered players must have a number between 1-25, with the exception of goalkeepers, who have 1,13, and 25 reserved for them.
- The Reserve Squad: Numbers 26-50
Any Barca Atletic player who is registered as a reserve but called up to the first team has to have their number between 26-50. This is why Lamine Yamal had the number 27, and why Pau Cubarsi had the number 33, when they first broke into the first team.
Adeyemi is set to be a first team signing, and therefore cannot have the number 27, as it is outside of the 1-25 range.
The Lucky Number 14?
So what number will he choose? It is believed that he is likely to go for number 14.
Looking at Barca’s current squad, it is the most plausible option for a forward bursting with energy and flair. It is a number with history at the club, being worn by Johan Cruyff, and later Thierry Henry during Pep Guardiola’s sextuple winning season, and more recently by Marcus Rashford.
Adeyemi has the potential to be a great number 14 for Barca, with his confident dribbling and ability to cut inside and score spectacular goals. It would be a shame if he did not take this opportunity to follow in the footsteps of legends such as Cruyff and Henry by wearing the iconic number.
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