Spurs hint at big new role for Bissouma with number change ahead of new season

The Mali international flattered to deceive in his opening season in north London after joining from Brighton for £25million last summer.

He was limited to just 26 appearances in all competitions - starting just ten times in the Premier League.

It led to him facing an uncertain future, but he now looks on course to be a key player for Spurs after swapping shirt numbers.

Bissouma has ditched the No.38 and has instead taken the vacant No.8 shirt following Harry Winks' departure to Leicester.

Spurs tweeted out a video of the change, with Bissouma modelling the new home strip.

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Speaking in the clip, he said: "For me it's a special number - it's magic."

The No.8 jersey is an iconic number for Tottenham, with club legends Glenn Hoddle, Ossie Ardiles, Paul Gascoigne all writing their place in Spurs history while wearing it.

Even former caretaker boss Ryan Mason wore the No.8 shirt, along with Jermaine Jenas, Scott Parker and talkSPORT pundit Danny Murphy.

Bissouma had worn the No.8 shirt at Brighton during his four-season spell at the Amex Stadium.

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Being handed the famous number by Spurs shows the faith the club - and Postecoglou - have in the former Arsenal target.

Fans will get a first look at Bissouma wearing the No.8 in the club's final pre-season match against Shakhtar Donetsk on Sunday.