Bayern Munich announced the signing of Jonah Kusi-Asare on Thursday, with the youngster holding up the No.9 shirt currently worn by Harry Kane.
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Kusi-Asare signs with Bayern16-year-old given No.9 shirtWill wear prized jersey for U-19 sideWHAT HAPPENED?
The England international has made that squad number his own since joining from Tottenham in the summer, where he famously wore the No.10 shirt. Kane has broken numerous Bundesliga records so far this term and is already on 23 league goals for the season after just 19 games. Bayern revealed on deadline day that they had locked down Kane's potential long-term successor, with the signing of Kusi-Asare from AIK Solna for €4.5 million (£3.8m/$4.9m). But eagle-eyed fans noticed the 16-year-old holding up Kane's prized squad number on signing day.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE EXPLANATION
Any confusion is quite easily cleared up, as Kane will continue to wear the No.9 shirt that has brought him such success this term. Kusi-Asare's squad number refers to his place in Bayern's U19 set up, where he will play the remainder of the season to gain vital experience. Technically, both forwards are Bayern No.9s, Kusi-Asare for the men's U19 side and Kane, still, for the men's senior team.
GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Kusi-Asare's No.9 shirt is only relevant to the aforementioned youth side, meaning he will be given a different squad number if he breaks through to the first team. This was most recently the case with former Chelsea academy graduate Jamal Musiala, who wore the No.10 shirt at youth level before being handed the No.42 on his senior debut.
DID YOU KNOW?
reports that Kusi-Asare would likely be given a squad number above 40 if he does break through, owing to his status as a Bayern youth player.