After ten memorable years with Tottenham Hotspur, club captain Son Heung-min announced on Saturday that he intends to leave the Premier League side this summer.
The 33-year-old South Korean forward described the decision as “the most difficult” of his career. With the club’s support, he is now exploring new opportunities, and Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles FC is rumored to be a potential next stop.
Son is set to start in Sunday’s preseason match against Newcastle in Seoul — potentially his final appearance for Spurs. During a press conference, an emotional Son revealed his plans, saying, “I’ve decided to leave this club this summer, and Tottenham are helping me with my decision.”
Reflecting on his journey, Son added, “I came to north London as a 23-year-old kid who didn’t speak English. Leaving now as a grown man is something I’m very proud of. I just want to thank all the Spurs fans for making this place feel like home. It’s one of the hardest choices I’ve had to make, but I believe the time is right.”
When asked in Korean about his next club, Son said he doesn’t have a definitive answer yet. While no move has been confirmed, speculation has linked him with LAFC and clubs in Saudi Arabia.
Son also affirmed his commitment to the South Korean national team, confirming he plans to compete in the 2026 World Cup, set to take place in North America. “That tournament is my biggest priority,” he said. “It’s likely to be my last World Cup, so I want to give it everything.”
Son finally tasted European silverware in May when he helped Spurs beat Manchester United in the Europa League final — the club’s first major trophy since 2008. That victory influenced his decision to move on.
“Winning the Europa League felt like completing everything I could here,” Son explained. “Now I need a new challenge in a different environment.”
A key figure for Tottenham, Son formed a dynamic duo with Harry Kane, helping the club reach the 2019 Champions League final. After Kane’s move to Bayern Munich in 2023, Son took over the captaincy under then-head coach Ange Postecoglou.
New manager Thomas Frank, who took charge in June, praised Son’s legacy. “He is truly a Spurs legend,” said Frank. “In my view, one of the best wingers ever to play in the Premier League. This might be the perfect time for him to move on — he’s leaving on a high.”
Son leaves as Tottenham’s fifth all-time top scorer with 173 goals in 454 appearances. His 333 Premier League games rank second in club history, behind only Hugo Lloris.
While he hasn’t confirmed where he’ll go next, Son said clarity could come after Sunday’s game. “I’ll probably be able to say more once tomorrow’s match is over,” he said. “Right now, I just want to play football with joy, and that feeling will be central to where I go next.”
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