Son Heung-min confirms his departure from Tottenham Hotspur after 10 incredible years. Explore his Premier League legacy, transfer rumors with LAFC, and what lies ahead for the South Korean star.
Son Heung-min Announces Tottenham Departure: A Decade of Glory Ends in 2025
In a heartfelt announcement on August 1, 2025, Son Heung-min, the iconic Tottenham Hotspur captain and one of the Premier League’s most beloved figures, declared he will be leaving the club this summer. The South Korean football star’s decision marks the end of an extraordinary 10-year tenure with Spurs, a period that saw Son transform from a young, inexperienced recruit into a Premier League legend.
This article delves into Son Heung-min’s illustrious career at Tottenham, explores the speculation surrounding his next move—possibly to Major League Soccer’s LAFC—and reflects on his lasting legacy in North London and beyond.
Son Heung-min’s Journey at Tottenham Hotspur
Son Heung-min’s arrival at Tottenham Hotspur in 2015 from Bayer Leverkusen for £22 million was met with excitement and cautious optimism. At just 23 years old, the South Korean star was relatively unknown to many English football fans, especially since he didn’t speak English fluently upon arrival. Over the decade, Son’s evolution has been nothing short of remarkable.
Key Career Stats at Tottenham (2015–2025)
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 450+ |
| Premier League Goals | 120+ |
| Total Goal Contributions | 198 |
| Trophies Won | 1 (Europa League) |
| Transfer Fee | £22 million |
Son has been a pivotal player, not only for Tottenham’s on-field success but also as a cultural ambassador, bringing fans across Asia closer to the Premier League. His commitment, skill, and leadership saw him grow into the captaincy, a role confirmed to continue in the club’s final pre-season friendly in Seoul.
Why Is Son Heung-min Leaving Tottenham in 2025?
At a press conference held in his hometown of Seoul, Son described his departure as “one of the toughest decisions” of his career. Despite the emotional weight, he expressed optimism about the future and gratitude towards Tottenham Hotspur for their support throughout.
Son said, “I came to North London as a kid, 23 years old… leaving this club as a grown man is a very, very proud moment.” His departure is being seen as a natural next step in his career, especially with his contract set to expire in 2026.
What’s Next? LAFC’s Interest in Son Heung-min
Sources close to the situation have revealed that LAFC (Los Angeles Football Club) is keen on signing Son Heung-min this summer. This potential transfer has sparked widespread speculation, as the MLS team looks to make a marquee signing to boost their competitiveness and global profile.
Son has yet to publicly confirm his next destination, saying simply, “I don’t think I have an answer yet,” when asked about his future plans in Korean.
Final Appearances and Farewell at Tottenham
Tottenham’s new head coach, Thomas Frank, confirmed that Son will captain the team in their friendly against Newcastle United at Seoul’s World Cup Stadium. This match might serve as Son’s final appearance for Spurs on English soil, although the UEFA Super Cup fixture against Paris Saint-Germain scheduled for August 13 remains a possibility for his farewell on the European stage.
Frank commented, “If that is the last game for Sonny, what a place to do it here in front of his home fans. It could be a beautiful ending.”
Son Heung-min’s Legacy at Tottenham Hotspur
Over the years, Son Heung-min has become more than just a footballer for Tottenham fans—he is a symbol of dedication, perseverance, and excellence. His 450+ appearances place him among the most capped Spurs players, and his 198 goal contributions demonstrate his offensive prowess.
He was instrumental in Tottenham’s victory in the Europa League final over Manchester United, earning his only major trophy with the club and sealing his status as a Spurs legend.
Highlights of Son Heung-min’s Tottenham Career
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 2015 | Signed from Bayer Leverkusen |
| 2018 | Tottenham’s top scorer |
| 2019 | Won Premier League Player of the Month multiple times |
| 2020 | 100 Premier League goals milestone |
| 2021 | Captained Spurs for the first time |
| 2024 | Lifted Europa League trophy |
| 2025 | Announced departure from Tottenham |
FAQs About Son Heung-min’s Departure
Q1: Why is Son Heung-min leaving Tottenham Hotspur?
A1: Son stated it was one of the toughest decisions but feels it is the right time to move on after 10 years at the club.
Q2: What clubs are interested in signing Son after Tottenham?
A2: LAFC from Major League Soccer has been reported to show strong interest in signing Son this summer.
Q3: Will Son play in the UEFA Super Cup for Tottenham before leaving?
A3: It remains possible, but his final appearance may be the friendly match against Newcastle in Seoul.
Q4: How many goals did Son score for Tottenham?
A4: Son has contributed to over 120 Premier League goals during his Tottenham career.
Q5: What is Son’s legacy at Tottenham Hotspur?
A5: Son is regarded as one of Spurs’ all-time greats, known for his skill, leadership, and dedication, helping the club win the Europa League and becoming captain.
Final Thoughts
Son Heung-min’s departure from Tottenham Hotspur marks the end of an era for both the player and the club. His journey from a young, shy footballer to a Premier League captain and fan favorite exemplifies his professionalism and passion. Whether he heads to LAFC or another destination, Son’s legacy in English football remains secure, inspiring countless fans worldwide.
As the summer transfer window unfolds, football fans will be watching closely to see where Son Heung-min’s remarkable career will take him next.