A significant chapter in Tottenham Hotspur`s history concludes as club captain Heung-min Son announces his departure. His decision comes after a memorable tenure, capped by leading the team to Europa League glory last season. Since his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2015, Son dedicated a decade to Tottenham, during which he tallied an impressive 127 goals and 71 assists in the Premier League. He also forged a formidable attacking partnership with Harry Kane, widely regarded as one of the league`s most effective duos.
As Tottenham prepares for a new chapter under Thomas Frank`s leadership, Son, the South Korean star, will not be continuing with the squad. His probable next destination is Los Angeles FC, a team familiar with acquiring Tottenham legends, having previously secured an MLS Cup victory with Gareth Bale. LAFC is reportedly considering a $20 million transfer for Son, a move that would significantly bolster their pursuit of the Western Conference title, pairing him with Denis Bouanga.
During a press conference in Seoul, Son shared his decision: “I`ve chosen to leave this club this summer, a choice the club is respectfully supporting. This was the hardest decision of my career.” He elaborated on his reasons, stating, “My primary motivation is having accomplished everything I could at Tottenham. I seek a fresh challenge in a new setting. I arrived in North London as a young boy, barely speaking English, and now I depart as a man. I extend my gratitude to all the Spurs fans for their immense support. I`ve spoken with a few long-term teammates; while disappointed, they understood my decision.”
Reflecting on a remarkable decade, here are some of Heung-min Son`s most memorable contributions while wearing the Tottenham jersey:
5. Son`s 100th Premier League Goal
Heung-min Son`s time at Spurs is marked by numerous spectacular goals, often delivered in crucial moments. His 100th Premier League goal perfectly exemplified this flair. In 2023, he curled an unstoppable shot from outside the box against Brighton, leaving their goalkeeper helpless. This achievement, reached in just 260 Premier League appearances, also made him the first Asian player to hit the century mark in the league.
4. Smashing Southampton
This unforgettable performance saw Son score four goals against Southampton at Saint Mary`s Stadium in just 30 minutes during a 2020 match. It was a testament to his exceptional synergy with Harry Kane, who provided the assist for every single one of Son`s goals. Post-match, Son was quick to credit Kane, stating, “I wouldn`t have scored four goals without this guy. He`s amazing. Four assists, he deserved the man of the match today.” Such displays of humility and teamwork were indicative of the leadership qualities that would later see him become team captain.
3. Coast-to-Coast for the Puskas Award
While “coast-to-coast” runs are rare in football, Son executed a breathtaking one that led to a Puskas Award-winning goal. Starting deep within Tottenham`s defensive box, he embarked on an incredible solo run, weaving through the entire Burnley team with mesmerizing dribbling before calmly slotting the ball into the net. This iconic goal, where Jan Vertonghen controversially received an assist, stands as one of Son`s most memorable contributions in a Spurs jersey.
2. Best Friends Off the Pitch, Lethal Together On It
The bond between Harry Kane and Son Heung-min transcended the pitch, forming a truly exceptional partnership at Tottenham. Their combined efforts resulted in a Premier League record of 47 goal contributions to each other, making them a formidable attacking force. Their innate understanding and precise passing consistently created scoring opportunities. This record surpasses the next best duo, Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard (36 goals), by a significant margin of 11 goals, suggesting its longevity. Their shared journey also featured a memorable run to the 2019 Champions League final.
1. Europa League Glory
Undoubtedly, Heung-min Son`s most significant achievement with Tottenham was lifting the Europa League trophy. While this triumph occurred in an unusual season where Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League, the lasting image will be Son, as club captain, hoisting a European trophy in his tenth and final season. This moment perfectly encapsulates his profound impact, leaving the club in a stronger position than when he first arrived.
