With Sky Sports reporting that medical tests are complete and a deal is edging closer, Bijol can soon enjoy his honeymoon before reporting for pre-season next month, and he’ll also have the chance to pick out a squad number. The centre-back has worn No.29 in all but one of his nine seasons in senior football but that is currently on the back of Willy Gnonto.
While Gnonto could vacate the spot in search of something different himself, as things stand Bijol will need to find a new number. And below, the YEP has taken a look at every available option.
Has belonged to Junior Firpo since his summer 2021 arrival but as things stand, it will be freed up when his Leeds contract expires at the end of this month. Maybe not the most natural choice for a centre-back, but a preferred choice for previous left-backs such as Barry Douglas and Tony Dorigo.
1. No.3
Has belonged to Junior Firpo since his summer 2021 arrival but as things stand, it will be freed up when his Leeds contract expires at the end of this month. Maybe not the most natural choice for a centre-back, but a preferred choice for previous left-backs such as Barry Douglas and Tony Dorigo. | Getty Images
Loan signing Joe Rothwell claimed the No.8 shirt from Glen Kamara last summer but after returning to parent club Bournemouth, his choice is up for grabs. Another that doesn't traditionally suit a defender, with previous owners including Marc Roca and Rodolph Austin.
2. No.8
Loan signing Joe Rothwell claimed the No.8 shirt from Glen Kamara last summer but after returning to parent club Bournemouth, his choice is up for grabs. Another that doesn't traditionally suit a defender, with previous owners including Marc Roca and Rodolph Austin. | George Wood/Getty Images Photo: George Wood/Getty Images
As with Rothwell, loan signing Jaidon Anthony spent one season wearing the No.12 shirt before returning to Bournemouth. No one claimed it last season and so it remains up for grabs. Previous owners range from Gordon Strachan to Paul Rachubka.
3. No.12
As with Rothwell, loan signing Jaidon Anthony spent one season wearing the No.12 shirt before returning to Bournemouth. No one claimed it last season and so it remains up for grabs. Previous owners range from Gordon Strachan to Paul Rachubka. | Getty Images
Unlucky for some, and usually reserved for back-up goalkeepers - albeit neither Karl Darlow nor Alex Cairns went for it. Given up by Kristoffer Klaesson last summer and previously worn by Kiko Casilla.
4. No.13
Unlucky for some, and usually reserved for back-up goalkeepers - albeit neither Karl Darlow nor Alex Cairns went for it. Given up by Kristoffer Klaesson last summer and previously worn by Kiko Casilla. | Getty Images
Became available last summer when Joe Rodon took the No.6 and was immediately claimed by Manor Solomon, who has since returned to Tottenham Hotspur.
5. No.14
Became available last summer when Joe Rodon took the No.6 and was immediately claimed by Manor Solomon, who has since returned to Tottenham Hotspur. | Getty Images
Left unclaimed last season after a long stint on the back of Stuart Dallas, who retired due to injury in 2024. Another with a mixed history, having been owned by anyone from Fabian Delph to Scott Wootton.
6. No.15
Left unclaimed last season after a long stint on the back of Stuart Dallas, who retired due to injury in 2024. Another with a mixed history, having been owned by anyone from Fabian Delph to Scott Wootton. | POOL/AFP via Getty Images