*Tottenham - Newcastle friendly: 6 PM on 3/8, Hanoi time

Son announced his decision during a press conference in his home country on 2/8, before the friendly match between Tottenham and Newcastle at Seoul World Cup Stadium.

"Before we start, I want to say that I have decided to leave the club this summer. The club is supporting me in this decision with full respect," the South Korean forward said.

Son Heung-min was emotional when he announced his departure from Tottenham during the press conference on 2/8. Photo: Bleacher

Son Heung-min was emotional when he announced his departure from Tottenham during the press conference on 2/8. Photo: Bleacher

In the summer of 2015, Son joined Tottenham from Leverkusen. The South Korean striker recently celebrated 10 years with the club, culminating in the 2024-2025 Europa League title, his first trophy with the team. He is one of 13 captains to have lifted a cup in Tottenham’s history.

At Tottenham, Son is currently fifth in the all-time scoring list with 173 goals and one of only seven players to have made over 450 appearances for the team (454 matches). He won the FIFA Puskas Award for his solo goal against Burnley in 2019, and the Premier League Golden Boot in the 2021-2022 season with 23 goals.

Son Heung-min celebrates the title after Tottenham beat Man Utd 1-0 in the Europa League final at San Mames Stadium, Bilbao, Spain on 21/5. Photo: Reuters

Son Heung-min celebrates the title after Tottenham beat Man Utd 1-0 in the Europa League final at San Mames Stadium, Bilbao, Spain on 21/5. Photo: Reuters

Son felt it was time for a change after a decade with the club. "This is the hardest decision of my career," the 33-year-old striker said. "I have so many wonderful memories here. But I need a new setting to push myself. Ten years is a long time. I arrived in North London when I was 23, very young. Now I leave as a grown man, full of pride."

Son concluded the press conference by expressing his sincere gratitude to Tottenham fans. "I want to thank all Spurs fans for giving me love and support all this time," he expressed. "I hope this is the right time to say goodbye. I hope everyone will understand and respect my decision."

New coach Thomas Frank expressed regret at not having the opportunity to work long term with one of Asia’s greatest players. "Son is a Tottenham legend, one of the best players to ever play in the Premier League," he said. "It's hard to find the perfect time to say goodbye, but with me just arriving, maybe this makes things a little easier. Son leaves after a successful season, and it's a beautiful ending."

Son Heung-min (right) and coach Thomas Frank at a press conference in Seoul. Photo: Tottenham

Son Heung-min (right) and coach Thomas Frank at a press conference in Seoul. Photo: Tottenham

Son is likely to move to Los Angeles FC. The MLS club began negotiations with Tottenham and Son’s agent in July and could finalize the deal next week. The Premier League representatives could receive 20 million USD from this deal.

Los Angeles is considered an attractive destination for Son, not only because of the club's reputation but also because of its large Korean community – estimated at over 300,000 people. The presence of goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, a former teammate at Tottenham who currently plays for Los Angeles, is also a significant draw.

The biggest hurdle in this deal is income. Son currently earns about 13 million USD per year at Tottenham, while the highest salary at Los Angeles is currently only around 3.7 million USD. To overcome this obstacle, the American team will likely leverage sponsorship from commercial partners, similar to what Inter Miami is doing with superstar Lionel Messi.

Several Saudi Arabian clubs see Son as a new icon to gradually replace legend Cristiano Ronaldo and have submitted lucrative salary offers reportedly up to 40 million USD per season. However, the Korean star is said to prioritize MLS – where he can play and maintain his brand image in the North American and Asian markets.

According to The Athletic, Son sees Los Angeles as an "ideal destination" if he leaves Tottenham, as it offers both sporting ambition and a favorable environment for family life.

Compiled by Hong Duy