Heung-min Son Announces Departure from Tottenham
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the football world, Heung-min Son has confirmed his decision to leave Tottenham Hotspur this summer, ending a decade-long association with the North London club. The South Korean captain, 33, informed Spurs’ management and new head coach Thomas Frank of his desire for a new challenge, with Major League Soccer (MLS) side LAFC emerging as his most likely destination .
The Announcement: A Emotional Farewell
Son made the emotional announcement during a press conference in Seoul, where Tottenham are currently on a pre-season tour ahead of a friendly against Newcastle United on Sunday. Fighting back tears, he stated:
"Before we start, I want to share that I have decided to leave the club this summer. Respectfully, the club is supporting my decision. This is the toughest choice I’ve made in my career, but I feel I’ve achieved everything I can at Tottenham. I need a new environment to push myself further." .
Reflecting on his journey, he added:
"I arrived in North London as a 23-year-old boy who couldn’t speak English. I leave as a man, proud of everything we’ve accomplished together. The fans have been incredible—this club will always be my home." .
Why LAFC? The Factors Behind the Move
Despite lucrative offers from Saudi Pro League clubs, Son is leaning toward a move to Los Angeles FC, where former Spurs teammate Hugo Lloris currently plays. Key reasons include:
- The largest Korean diaspora outside Asia resides in Los Angeles, offering Son a strong cultural connection .
- A desire to compete in MLS ahead of the 2026 World Cup, hosted in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico .
- Commercial opportunities and a chance to elevate the league’s global profile, particularly in Asian markets .
Tottenham, acknowledging Son’s legendary status, are facilitating a smooth exit and are open to a flexible transfer agreement .
Son’s Legacy at Tottenham: A Decade of Brilliance
Since joining from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015 for £22 million, Son has cemented his place as a Spurs icon:
- 173 goals in 454 appearances, making him the club’s fifth-highest scorer of all time .
- 2021-22 Premier League Golden Boot (23 goals, shared with Mohamed Salah) .
- Captained Spurs to their first trophy in 17 years—the Europa League in May 2025—fulfilling a lifelong dream .
- 2020 FIFA Puskás Award for his stunning solo goal against Burnley .
Reactions: From Teammates to the Manager
New Spurs boss Thomas Frank praised Son’s professionalism:
"He’s a true legend of this club and one of the Premier League’s greatest. I’d have loved to work with him, but I respect his decision to seek a fresh challenge." .
Teammate Ben Davies highlighted Son’s unwavering commitment despite the uncertainty:
"He’s trained harder than ever. If not for the rumors, you’d never know he was leaving." .
What’s Next for Tottenham?
With Son’s departure, Spurs face a transitional phase:
- Young talents like Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert are expected to step up .
- The club remains active in the transfer market, targeting Mohammed Kudus and João Palhinha .
Final Goodbye: Newcastle Friendly in Seoul
Sunday’s match against Newcastle will likely be Son’s last appearance in a Spurs shirt. The game, held at Seoul’s 66,000-capacity World Cup Stadium, promises an emotional send-off for the Korean hero .
Conclusion: The End of an Era
Son’s exit marks the close of a glittering chapter for Tottenham. While his on-field contributions will be sorely missed, his legacy as a club legend is secure. For Son, a new adventure awaits—one that could further solidify his status as a global football icon.
Sources:
- The Athletic
- CNN
- The Guardian
- Sky Sports/Florian Plettenberg
- AFP/France 24