Son Heung-min, the South Korean superstar and Tottenham Hotspur captain, stands at a pivotal moment in his illustrious career. Since joining Spurs from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015 for £22 million, Son has etched his name into the club’s history as one of its greatest-ever players. With 173 goals and 101 assists in 454 appearances, he is the top Asian goalscorer in Premier League and UEFA Champions League history, a beloved figure in North London, and a global icon. However, with his contract nearing its end and interest from clubs worldwide, the question looms: what does the future hold for Son at Tottenham?
🚨🥇| Heung-min Son left team-mates and staff under the impression he was ready to leave #Tottenham at the end of last season after winning the Europa League with the club, although there have since been suggestions he is happy to stay, at least until January.
— The Spurs Express (@TheSpursExpress) July 21, 2025
Barring injury,… pic.twitter.com/Chb56mYFGc
A Decade of Excellence
Son’s journey with Tottenham has been nothing short of remarkable. From his debut in 2015 to captaining the side to their first European trophy in over 40 years in the 2025 Europa League final against Manchester United, Son has been a cornerstone of Spurs’ attack. His speed, two-footed finishing, and tireless work rate have made him a fan favorite, while his leadership and professionalism have earned him the captain’s armband since August 2023.
His standout moments include scoring the first professional goal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2019, a brace against Manchester City in the 2018-19 Champions League quarterfinals, and sharing the Premier League Golden Boot with Mohamed Salah in 2022. Off the pitch, Son’s humility and connection with fans, particularly in his native South Korea, have amplified his status as a global ambassador for the club. His role in Tottenham’s upcoming Asia tour, including friendlies against Arsenal in Hong Kong and Newcastle in Seoul, underscores his commercial importance.
Yet, the 2024-25 season has been challenging. Despite the Europa League triumph, Son’s form dipped, with only 11 goals and 12 assists in 46 appearances, hampered by injuries and a disappointing 17th-place finish in the Premier League. At 33, questions about his physical decline and ability to sustain his high-intensity style have surfaced, prompting speculation about his next move.
Contract Uncertainty and Transfer Rumours
Son’s contract, extended until June 2026 via a one-year option triggered by Tottenham in January 2025, places him at a crossroads. With just one year left, the club faces a critical decision: extend his deal, sell him to secure a transfer fee, or let him run down his contract. Tottenham are reportedly open to letting Son decide his future, a gesture of respect for his decade of service, but they are also preparing for life after him.
Interest from Saudi Pro League clubs has been persistent, with Al Hilal among those linked, offering lucrative deals. However, Son reportedly rejected similar offers last summer, prioritizing lifestyle and competitive football over financial gain. A surprising link to Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer emerged, with the city’s large Korean expat community and urban appeal seen as attractive. Turkish club Fenerbahçe, managed by former Spurs boss Jose Mourinho, has also been mentioned, with reports of talks between Son and Mourinho. Despite these rumors, Son is likely to stay for one more season, potentially to see out his contract and receive a proper farewell.
The New Era Under Thomas Frank
The appointment of Thomas Frank as Tottenham’s head coach, replacing Ange Postecoglou, adds another layer of complexity. Frank has not guaranteed Son’s role as captain or a starting spot, hinting at a reduced role if he stays. The Dane is focused on reshaping the squad, with signings like Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich, Mohammed Kudus from West Ham, and interest in players like Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo signaling a shift toward younger, dynamic attackers. These moves suggest Tottenham are planning for a future where Son’s influence may wane.
Frank’s high-pressing, attacking philosophy aligns with Son’s strengths, but his comments about managing a “long list of bullet points” and the absence of guarantees for Son’s future indicate a pragmatic approach. The club’s return to the Champions League in 2025-26, bolstered by the Europa League win, raises expectations, and Frank may prioritize players who can sustain his system long-term.
The Case for Staying
There are compelling reasons for Son to remain at Tottenham. His legacy as a club legend is secure, and staying for one more season could allow him to cement it further, potentially adding to his trophy cabinet in the Champions League or domestic competitions. His leadership remains vital, especially with a young squad featuring talents like Tel and Kudus. Fans and former players have urged Spurs to keep their talisman, emphasizing his experience and ability to bounce back from a subpar season.
Son’s own words reflect a measured approach. Speaking after South Korea’s 4-0 win over Kuwait in June 2025, he said, “I still have one more year left on the contract. Rather than saying anything at this moment, I think we should all wait and see what happens. But no matter where I end up, I will always do the best I can.” This suggests a commitment to professionalism, whether at Spurs or elsewhere.
The Case
On the other hand, a move could offer Son a fresh challenge in the twilight of his career. At 33, regular playing time is crucial, and reports indicate he could face increased time on the bench under Frank. A transfer to a club like LAFC or Fenerbahçe could provide a new stage to showcase his talents, while a move to Saudi Arabia could secure financial stability. The emotional toll of leaving Tottenham after a decade would be significant, but Son’s reported openness to a move suggests he is weighing his options carefully.
Tottenham’s pursuit of attacking reinforcements also hints at a transition. The signings of Tel and Kudus, combined with interest in Mbeumo and Semenyo, indicate a long-term strategy to replace Son’s output. If he stays, he may need to adapt to a rotational role, which could be unappealing for a player of his stature.
The Asia Tour Factor
Tottenham’s pre-season tour of Asia, with matches scheduled in Hong Kong and Seoul, complicates any immediate exit. Son’s status as a national hero in South Korea makes his presence essential for commercial reasons, and any transfer decision is likely to be delayed until after the tour concludes in early August 2025. This timeline aligns with the transfer window’s closure on September 1, meaning clarity on Son’s future may not emerge until late summer.
What Lies Ahead?
Son Heung-min’s future at Tottenham hinges on a delicate balance of legacy, ambition, and pragmatism. Staying for one final season could allow him to bow out on his terms, with a hero’s farewell at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. A move elsewhere, whether to MLS, Turkey, or Saudi Arabia, could offer a new chapter, but it would mark the end of an era for Spurs fans who have sung “Can’t Smile Without You” in his honor.
The coming weeks, particularly his discussions with Thomas Frank and the outcome of the Asia tour, will be pivotal. For now, Son remains a Spurs legend, and whether he stays or goes, his impact on the club will endure. As he navigates this crossroads, one thing is certain: Son Heung-min will continue to give his all, wherever his journey takes him next.
