Son Heung-min to leave English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur - where will he go next? Here's a look at his possible destinations

Time of India

3 days ago

In a moment that shook Spurs fans across the globe, Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min has announced he will part ways with the club this summer, bringing an emotional close to a decade-long era in north London. Standing before a room of reporters in Seoul, the 33-year-old forward delivered the heartbreaking news during Tottenham's pre-season tour in South Korea - a farewell on home soil that few saw coming.
"Before we start the press conference, I wanted to say I have decided to leave the club this summer," said Son. "Respectfully, the club is helping me with this decision."
Son Heung-min on his journey with Tottenham Hotspur
The star player joined Spurs from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015 and has since become a club legend. He has made over 450 appearances and scored 173 goals. In fact, he recently helped his team lift the Europa League trophy - Tottenham's first European title in over four decades.
The player from South Korea admitted that the 2024-25 season was difficult, marked by injuries and inconsistency. Reflecting on his journey, he said, "I came to north London as a 23-year-old kid. I leave as a grown man, a very proud man."
Fighting back tears, Son described the move as "the most difficult decision" of his career. "I have such amazing memories. It was so hard to make the decision," he said, sitting beside new Spurs manager Thomas Frank, who recently replaced Ange Postecoglou.
"I need a new environment to push myself," he added. "I need a little bit of change - 10 years is a long time."
Speaking in Korean, Son revealed that winning a European trophy played a big role in his decision. "It felt like I had achieved everything I possibly could," he said. "I kept asking myself if I wanted to experience football in a different environment."
Thomas Frank pays tribute to outgoing star
Spurs' new head coach Thomas Frank, who joined from Brentford, praised Son's legacy. "For me, personally, I would have loved to have worked with this fantastic person and player," he said. "He is a true Spurs legend in every aspect - one of the greatest to play in the Premier League."
Thomas Frank confirms Sonny will start and captain the side tomorrow against Newcastle in Seoul. pic.twitter.com/HTNCPcSYGT
Frank acknowledged the timing of Son's exit: "It is never easy to find the perfect moment. But if this is the end, it's a beautiful one."
One last dance in Seoul?
Tottenham are set to face Newcastle United in a pre-season friendly on Sunday in Seoul, and Son is expected to start and captain the team. It could be his final match in a Spurs shirt, though the club is also due to play Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup on August 13 in Udine.
"If that is Sonny's last game, what a place to do it - here in front of his home fans," Frank said.
Where is Son Heung-min headed next?
Although Son still has a contract with Tottenham until 2026, his next move appears imminent. According to sources, Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC (LAFC) is currently in negotiations to sign him.
The South Korean star was also approached by Saudi clubs earlier in May, but the MLS is now considered his most likely destination.
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