Demarai Gray’s potential squad number as his Birmingham City return approaches

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As Birmingham City’s transfer window continues to heat up in preparation for a 2025/26 Championship promotion challenge, focus is now turning to Demarai Gray.

Earlier this week, EFL Analysis revealed that Birmingham City have agreed an ambitious move to sign winger Demarai Gray from Al-Ettifaq. 

This marks a huge homecoming for Gray, who spent a considerable part of his younger years at St. Andrew’s, notably becoming the youngest player to score a hat-trick for the Midlands giants at the age of 18. 

Since his initial departure, Gray has played for Leicester City, where he was part of their Premier League-winning squad, Everton, and Bayer Leverkusen.

Although initial reports indicated his substantial £200k-a-week wages could be a hurdle, EFL Analysis, via chief football correspondent Graeme Bailey, has now confirmed that Birmingham have agreed a transfer for Gray. Yet, there’s one detail Gray might not be best pleased about.

• READ MORE: Birmingham City ‘in talks’ over free transfer for ex-Championship star who was wanted at Leeds United

Demarai Gray won’t be able to wear his favourite shirt number

Demarai Gray’s much-anticipated return brings with it the question of his squad number, and it appears he won’t be able to reclaim his preferred number 7 shirt.

Gray has indeed worn the number 7 before in his career. Most notably, he donned the number 7 shirt during his time at Leicester City, where he played a part in their historic Premier League title win.

He also wore the number 7 for the England U21 team, further solidifying its connection to his playing identity. However, since then, he has worn number 11 at Everton and Al-Ettifaq.

For the upcoming 2025/26 season, Birmingham City’s number 7 shirt is already occupied by Emil Hansson.

Hansson took over the number previously worn by his compatriot Sebastian Larsson, a player well-regarded by Blues fans.

This means Gray will have to select a different number upon his significant return to St. Andrew’s, as Hansson currently holds the seven.

Which shirt number is available for Demarai Gray?

Given that 7 and 11 are unavailable, other options for Gray would likely be higher numbers.

Traditionally, numbers in the 20s or higher are typically available for new signings, especially if they are not considered part of the starting eleven quite yet or if the club has an approach of rotating numbers. 

While specific available numbers beyond those currently assigned aren’t explicitly listed, it’s common for numbers like 22, 23, 24, 25, or even higher to be assigned to new players.

The club might also choose to leave a number vacant for a high-profile signing, or a current player might switch numbers to accommodate Gray.

The final decision will be confirmed by Birmingham City closer to the start of the 2025/26 season.