Son Heung-min has announced his decision to leave Tottenham Hotspur after a remarkable 10-year run in the English Premier League, embarking on a new adventure after making his mark as one of Asia’s most successful footballers.

Before the 2025 Coupang Play Series press conference held at The Forum at IFC in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul on August 2, Son confirmed, “I have decided to leave the club this summer,” piquing widespread interest in his future endeavors.

Son Heung-min first arrived in England in August 2015, transferring from Germany’s Bayer Leverkusen to Tottenham Hotspur for a fee of £22 million (approximately 40.5 billion KRW). Though his debut Premier League season ended with a modest eight goals, Son soon established himself as Tottenham’s attacking linchpin by consistently scoring in double digits from the following year onwards.

Notably, in the 2021–2022 season, Son netted 23 goals to share the Golden Boot with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, becoming the first Asian player ever to win the Premier League’s top scorer title. Throughout his career at Tottenham, he was named EPL Player of the Month four times and Goal of the Month twice. His iconic 70-meter solo goal against Burnley in 2019 was awarded Premier League Goal of the Season for 2019–2020.

Over 10 seasons with Tottenham, Son Heung-min played 454 official matches, amassing 173 goals and 101 assists—ranking fifth in club history for goals scored and seventh for total appearances. In European club competitions, he scored 27 goals, trailing only Harry Kane’s 45 for the club.

Last May, Son lifted the Europa League trophy as Tottenham’s captain, securing his first major European title in 15 years of playing on the continent. In a subsequent interview, he expressed his feelings, saying, “For today at least, I feel I can finally call myself a Tottenham legend.”

Yet, at 33, Son Heung-min chose to part ways with Tottenham, citing changes in his role and the natural course of his career. He last renewed his contract in July 2021, and the club exercised a one-year extension in January 2024, binding him until the summer of 2026. Nevertheless, Son has decided to seek a new challenge.

Los Angeles FC of Major League Soccer is widely rumored to be Son’s most likely next stop. Son commented at the press event, “I will be able to clarify my future after tomorrow’s match,” but also hinted at his intentions, adding, “I think it has to be a place where I can give everything I have.” This statement has fueled speculation about a potential move to the U.S.

According to British outlet Football London, Son informed new Tottenham manager Thomas Frank of his desire to leave, with negotiations reportedly taking place with LAFC in Hong Kong after a preseason match against Arsenal. LAFC boasts former Tottenham teammate Hugo Lloris and is located in Los Angeles, home to the largest Korean community in the U.S.—likely to be a welcoming environment for Son.

Although Saudi Arabian clubs also expressed interest, Tottenham is said to have adopted a flexible stance on the transfer fee and arrangements, given Son’s significant contributions to the club.

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo=Yonhap News