Tottenham captain Son Heung-min announced his decision to leave the club at a press conference in Seoul on Saturday. Ahead of the club’s pre-season friendly with Premier League opponents Newcastle United, Son sat down with manager Thomas Frank for the press conference.
He said, “Before we start, I just want to share the information that I have decided to leave this club this summer. It was the most difficult decision I have made in my career. I have spent 10 years at Tottenham.
The main reason is that I have achieved everything I can at Tottenham. I need a new environment for a fresh challenge. I’m grateful the club have respected my decision and wish Spurs well for the next season.”
Why is Son Heung-min Considered a Tottenham Hotspur Legend?
Son Heung-min signed for Tottenham Hotspur on 28th August 2015 from the German side Bayer Leverkusen for £22 million. Looking back at this deal, it’s one of Tottenham’s finest pieces of business in the club’s history. In the amazing decade Son spent at the club, he featured for the north London club 454 times, scoring 173 goals and assisting his teammates 101 times.
In May, Son captained the side to their Europa League victory over Manchester United, ending the club’s 17-year trophy drought. Following this victory, Son felt he had achieved everything he could at the club and is now looking for a new environment with a fresh challenge.
Heung-min Son formed an iconic strike partnership with England captain Harry Kane. They rank as the best duo in Premier League history for combined goals and assists, registering 47 combinations. It is only fitting that the two won the first trophies of their careers in the same season, as Harry Kane picked up the Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich.
Why Does Son want to leave?
The 2024/25 Premier League campaign saw Tottenham Hotspur finish in an embarrassing 17th position. In the 30 league games Son featured in last season, he only managed to score 7 Premier League goals. This was the first time the South Korean failed to record double figures since his debut 15/16 campaign.
Tottenham has plenty of forward options in Mathys Tel, Brennan Johnson, Wilson Odobert, Dominic Solanke, and many others who are set to take over Son’s position. Son understands that his prime years are behind him and is no longer a guaranteed starter under new head coach Thomas Frank. However, Tottenham Hotspur will still deeply miss his quality, personality, and leadership.
What’s Next For Heung-min Son?
On Sunday, reputed journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed the player’s decision to join the MLS side LAFC. He will be joining his former Tottenham teammate Hugo Lloris, who stands in net for the club. Son has his eyes set on the 2026 World Cup and will seek regular playing time to gear up for the competition. The 2026 World Cup is being co-hosted by the United States, and joining the American team might play to his advantage.
The “Perfect” Farewell
Heung-min Son could only describe his farewell as the “perfect moment.” Son played what looks to be his final match for Tottenham ahead of his own South Korean fans in Seoul. Son was substituted at the hour mark in the 1-1 draw with Newcastle United. The South Korean international burst into tears as he received a standing ovation and a guard of honour from players of both teams.
Written by: Thillai Ritvik
