In a moment that sent shockwaves through North London and beyond, Son Heung-min announced his intention to leave Tottenham Hotspur at a press conference in Seoul, describing it as “the most difficult decision I have made in my career.” The South Korean captain’s emotional farewell marks the end of an extraordinary decade that transformed both player and club, leaving fans to grapple with the departure of one of the Premier League’s most beloved figures.
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The Tearful Announcement That Broke Hearts
Speaking ahead of Tottenham’s pre-season match against Newcastle United, Son Heung-min’s voice carried the weight of a decade’s worth of memories: “I came to north London as a kid, 23 years old, such a young age. I leave this club as a grown man, a very proud man.” The press conference, held alongside new manager Thomas Frank, became an emotional watershed moment that highlighted the profound bond between player and club.
The 33-year-old star emphasized the difficulty of his choice, stating: “It was one of the toughest decisions I ever made. But I think it’s the right time to make this decision.” His words resonated with authenticity, revealing a player who had genuinely wrestled with leaving the only Premier League home he had ever known.
A Legacy Written in Goals and Glory
Son Heung-min’s Tottenham journey reads like a modern football fairy tale. Arriving in August 2015, he became the fifth-highest goalscorer in the club’s history with 173 goals and reached the milestone of 454 appearances, making him only the seventh player to achieve 450+ games for Spurs.
Career Highlights at Tottenham
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Goals | 173 (5th all-time for Tottenham) |
| Appearances | 454 (7th player to reach 450+) |
| Premier League Golden Boot | 2021/22 season (23 goals, shared with Mo Salah) |
| FIFA Puskas Award | 2019 (goal vs Burnley) |
| Major Trophy | UEFA Europa League (2025) |
| Captain | Appointed after Harry Kane’s departure |
The Europa League victory over Manchester United provided Son with his only major trophy at Tottenham, a moment he described as fulfilling: “Winning the Europa League made me feel I had achieved everything I could here.“
The Quest for New Challenges
Son Heung-min’s decision wasn’t born from discontent but from an athlete’s eternal quest for growth. “I need a new environment to push myself. I need a little bit of change – 10 years is a long time,” he explained, demonstrating the self-awareness that has defined his career.
The timing, he believes, is crucial: “I hope the goodbye is also good timing and this is the right time to make that decision.” This calculated approach reflects Son’s maturity and strategic thinking about his career trajectory.
LAFC Emerges as Frontrunner
While Son remained coy about his destination, multiple sources confirm that Los Angeles FC (LAFC) are interested in signing the Tottenham forward, with reports suggesting the MLS club is advancing in transfer talks. Despite receiving a lucrative offer from a Saudi Arabian club, the South Korean star has shown a clear preference for a move to the United States.
Transfer Details and Timeline
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Contract | Expires 2026 |
| Interested Clubs | LAFC (frontrunner), Saudi Arabian clubs |
| Expected Fee | €15-20 million |
| Player Preference | United States over Saudi Arabia |
| Timeline | Late summer window |
LAFC believe a transfer is possible towards the end of the summer window and are now close to agreeing terms with Son, though they face competition from Saudi Arabia.
Thomas Frank’s Tribute to a Legend
New Tottenham manager Thomas Frank’s reaction perfectly encapsulated the respect Son commands throughout football. “He is a true Spurs legend in every aspect, one of the greatest players to play in the Premier League,” Frank declared, acknowledging that few players reach such iconic status.
Frank confirmed Son would captain the team in what could be his final appearance: “If that is the last game for Sonny, what a place to do it here in front of his home fans. It could be a beautiful ending.”
The Numbers That Tell a Story
Son Heung-min’s statistical legacy at Tottenham speaks volumes about his impact and consistency over a decade of Premier League football.
Season-by-Season Impact
| Metric | Career Total |
|---|---|
| Premier League Goals | 144 |
| Premier League Assists | 54 |
| Total Goal Contributions | 198 Premier League goal contributions |
| Hat-tricks | Multiple across all competitions |
| International Goals | 50+ for South Korea |
During the 2022 Ballon d’Or, Son placed 11th in the rankings, the highest an Asian has ever finished in the award’s long history. This achievement underlined his status as not just a Premier League star, but a global football icon.
The Emotional Farewell Tour
Son’s announcement comes during Tottenham’s Asian tour, adding poignancy to his potential final appearances in the region where his journey began. The Newcastle friendly at Seoul’s World Cup Stadium represents more than just a pre-season match—it’s potentially the last time fans will see their hero in a Spurs shirt on home soil.
A Global Icon’s Next Chapter
When Son joined Tottenham in 2015 for £22 million, he became the most expensive Asian player in football history. Nearly a decade later, his influence extends far beyond transfer fees. He has become a cultural ambassador, breaking barriers and inspiring millions across Asia and beyond.
Son has won the Puskas Award for the best goal scored on the planet in 2020 and was named ‘Best footballer in Asia’ for a fourth consecutive time in the same year. These accolades reflect a player who has consistently operated at the highest level while representing his continent with distinction.
The Perfect Ending to an Imperfect Journey
While trophies may have been scarce during Son’s tenure, his impact transcends silverware. He lifted the UEFA Europa League trophy as captain in May, providing the perfect crescendo to his Tottenham story. This triumph allowed him to depart not as a player who never won anything, but as a champion who helped end the club’s trophy drought.
Looking Forward: What’s Next for Both Parties
As Son Heung-min prepares for his next adventure, likely in Major League Soccer, Tottenham faces the monumental task of replacing an irreplaceable figure. His departure marks the end of an era that saw the club reach unprecedented heights, even if the ultimate prize remained elusive for so long.
“I want to say thank you to all the Spurs fans for giving me so much love,” Son said, words that will resonate in North London long after his final bow. His legacy isn’t just in the goals scored or the trophies won, but in the joy he brought to millions and the barriers he broke as football’s most successful Asian export.
The Son Heung-min era at Tottenham may be ending, but the memories, the impact, and the inspiration will endure forever. In choosing to leave on his own terms, at the pinnacle of his powers and with a trophy in hand, Son has crafted the perfect conclusion to an extraordinary decade in North London.
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FAQs
Why is Son Heung-min leaving Tottenham after 10 years?
Son described it as “the most difficult decision” of his career, citing his need for “a new environment to push myself” and “a little bit of change” after a decade at the club.
Which club is most likely to sign Son Heung-min?
LAFC appears to be the frontrunner, with multiple reports confirming the MLS club’s interest and Son’s preference for a move to the United States over Saudi Arabia.
What are Son Heung-min’s key achievements at Tottenham?
Son scored 173 goals in 454 appearances, won the Premier League Golden Boot in 2021/22, claimed the FIFA Puskas Award in 2019, and captained the team to Europa League victory in 2025.
When will Son Heung-min’s transfer be completed?
Reports suggest LAFC believe a transfer is possible towards the end of the summer window, with talks advancing between the clubs.
How much will Son Heung-min’s transfer cost?
LAFC is expected to pay a transfer fee of around €15-20 million to Tottenham, which is lower than the club’s initial valuation.
