Son Heung-min Announces Departure from Tottenham Hotspur After a Decade
Heung-Min Son has announced he is leaving Tottenham Hotspur this summer
Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min has announced his decision to leave the Premier League club this summer, marking the end of an illustrious 10-year tenure with the North London outfit. The 33-year-old South Korean star, widely regarded as one of Asia’s greatest footballers, described the decision as the most difficult of his career but emphasized that it felt like the right time to embark on a new chapter.
Son’s announcement, delivered with characteristic humility and gratitude, sent shockwaves through the footballing world, as fans, teammates, and pundits reflected on his extraordinary contributions to Tottenham Hotspur. The forward, who joined Spurs from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015 for a then-record £22 million (€30 million) transfer fee for an Asian player, leaves behind a legacy as one of the club’s most beloved and accomplished players. His departure signals the end of an era for Tottenham, where he evolved from a young, English-language novice to a global football icon and club captain.
Son Heung-min arrived at Tottenham at the age of 23, a relatively unknown talent from South Korea who had already made waves in Germany with Hamburger SV and Bayer Leverkusen. His £22 million transfer in August 2015 shattered records, making him the most expensive Asian footballer in history at the time, surpassing Hidetoshi Nakata’s €25 million move from Roma to Parma in 2001. Despite early struggles with form and fitness during his first season, Son quickly adapted to the rigors of the Premier League, showcasing his blistering pace, clinical finishing, and remarkable two-footedness.
Over the course of his 10-year spell, Son became a cornerstone of Tottenham’s attacking prowess, forming lethal partnerships with players like Harry Kane and contributing to some of the club’s most memorable moments. His 173 goals in all competitions place him fourth on Tottenham’s all-time top scorers list, a testament to his consistency and quality. Notably, Son played a pivotal role in Spurs’ run to the 2018-19 UEFA Champions League final and their 2020-21 EFL Cup final appearance.
The crowning moment of Son’s Tottenham career came on May 21, 2025, when he lifted the UEFA Europa League trophy as a substitute in a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in Bilbao. The triumph ended Tottenham’s 17-year trophy drought, dating back to their 2007-08 Football League Cup win, and marked Son’s first major title in his professional career. For the South Korean captain, who had long dreamed of delivering silverware to Spurs, the moment was a fitting culmination of his decade-long journey with the club.
At the Seoul press conference, Son spoke candidly about the emotional weight of his decision to leave Tottenham as one of the toughest decisions he had ever made. He expressed gratitude to the club, his teammates, and the Spurs faithful, who had embraced him as one of their own since his arrival in North London. In his words:
“I came to North London as a kid, 23 years old, very young age, a young boy came to London who even didn’t speak English, and leaving this club as a grown man is a very, very proud moment,” ... “I just want to say thank you to all of the Spurs fans that gave me so much love and felt like it was my home.”
Son’s decision comes despite Tottenham triggering a one-year contract extension in January 2025, tying him to the club until the summer of 2026. However, speculation about his future had been rife for months, fueled by Tottenham’s struggles in the 2024-25 Premier League season, where they languished in 17th place with just 38 points, a far cry from their ambitions of securing a European berth through league performance. The club’s qualification for the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League, secured through their Europa League triumph, offered hope for a brighter future, but Son’s announcement suggests he believes his time at Spurs has reached its natural conclusion.
While Son did not disclose his next destination during the press conference, sources indicate that Los Angeles FC (LAFC) of Major League Soccer (MLS) is keen to secure his signature. ESPN’s James Olley reported last week that the MLS club has expressed strong interest in the 33-year-old, with LAFC prepared to act swiftly if Son confirms his willingness to leave Tottenham and the club agrees to a transfer. This potential move would see Son follow in the footsteps of other Premier League stars, such as Gareth Bale and David Beckham, who ventured to the MLS later in their careers.
Interest in Son is not limited to the United States. Saudi Pro League clubs, including Al Ittihad, have long been linked with the South Korean star, with reports dating back to June 2023 indicating a lucrative offer from the Middle Eastern side. Although Son opted to remain with Tottenham at the time, the persistent interest from Saudi Arabia suggests he may have multiple options to consider as he plans his next move.
Tottenham’s new head coach, Thomas Frank, who replaced Ange Postecoglou earlier this year, praised Son’s contributions but stopped short of confirming his role as captain for the upcoming season, adding to the uncertainty surrounding his future.
Son’s impact at Tottenham extends far beyond his on-field exploits. As the most prominent Asian footballer in Premier League history, he has inspired a generation of fans and players across the continent. In South Korea, Son’s success has transformed Tottenham into one of the country’s most popular clubs, surpassing the fandom once reserved for Manchester United due to Park Ji-Sung’s exploits. His professionalism, leadership, and infectious smile have endeared him to teammates and supporters alike, earning him the nickname “Captain Smiley” among Spurs fans.
Son’s international career is equally illustrious. As captain of the South Korea national team, he has represented his country with distinction, scoring his first international goal at the 2011 AFC Asian Cup and leading the team through multiple World Cup campaigns. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Son’s next move will likely be influenced by his desire to remain in top form for what could be his final major international tournament.