Son Heung-min to leave Tottenham Hotspur after a decade

Son Heung-min, a global football icon and national hero in South Korea, has announced he will leave Tottenham Hotspur. His departure marks the end of a remarkable decade-long era with the North London club, a decision he described as “the most difficult” of his career.

Son’s exit comes after a successful 2024-25 season where he captained Spurs to a Europa League trophy, their first major silverware since 2008. The forward is reportedly eyeing a move to Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States, with a potential switch to Los Angeles FC.

A Decade of Glory at Tottenham Hotspur

Son Heung-min’s journey with Tottenham began in 2015 when he arrived from Germany’s Bayer Leverkusen. He quickly became a fan favorite and a crucial player, tallying an impressive 173 goals in 454 appearances. During his time at the club, he formed a formidable attacking partnership with England legend Harry Kane, and later, became the club’s captain.

His individual achievements at Spurs are equally notable. In the 2021-22 season, he shared the Premier League Golden Boot with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, both scoring 23 goals. His stunning solo goal against Burnley in 2019 even won him the prestigious FIFA Puskás Award for the best goal of the year.

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A New Challenge Awaits in the United States?

While speaking to reporters in Seoul during the club’s pre-season tour, Son expressed his need for a “new environment” to push himself, stating, “10 years is a long time.” His decision to seek a fresh challenge has fueled speculation about his next move.

Reports strongly suggest a transfer to the MLS, with Los Angeles FC being a primary contender. This move would see him join former Spurs teammate Hugo Lloris and bring his incredible talent and star power to American soccer. The transfer would be a major coup for the MLS, especially given Los Angeles’ large Korean-American population.

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A Legacy Beyond the Pitch

Beyond his club career, Son is a sporting icon in South Korea. He has represented his country with distinction, scoring 51 goals in 134 matches for the national team. His status as South Korea’s most high-profile athlete has made him a cultural phenomenon, respected and admired worldwide.

New Spurs coach Thomas Frank, who recently took the reins, praised Son as “a true Spurs legend in every aspect, one of the greatest players to play in the Premier League.” His words underscore the profound impact Son had on the club and the league as a whole. While fans are saddened to see him go, his legacy as a hard-working, humble, and brilliant footballer will undoubtedly endure.

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