I keep seeing that Barella will take the #18 jersey. It's not a big deal but I'd prefer Barella just pick a new number instead of asking Asamoah to give up his #18. Asamoah has worn #20 and #22 most of his career anyway so he probably isn't super attached to #18 but that's not the point. The point is, Barella is a fucking nobody at this level. Despite his price, I don't want him treated as some kind of massive star signing that we should go out of our way to please, even with a relatively minor gesture like giving him his favorite number. Nor do I want him to think he's anything near a star.
These are just barely sober 4AM thoughts rambled out loud but it came to mind when I read the confidently worded article "Barella has chosen his number" or some bullshit. Cuadrado giving his #7 to Ronaldo is fine, if not to be expected. This coming from a guy who hates both players and the club they play for. But Barella hasn't proven anything to earn any such favors yet.
The only way it'd be OK is if Valero fucked off and Asamoah voluntarily vacated the #18 to take Valero's #20 or the vacant #22.