Heung-min Son’s departure from Tottenham after a decade at the club and its impact on the team’s future | OneFootball

After ten years of scintillating runs, great goals, and quiet leadership, Heung-min Son’s time at Tottenham Hotspur has come to an end.

The South Korean forward had become one of the great figures in the club’s modern history and has now moved to Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer. It was a decision made at a time that is pivotal for his future as well as for Spurs, who now need to learn how to live without their talisman.

An emotional farewell and the next chapter

In his farewell announcement on Tottenham’s pre-season tour press conference in Seoul, Son said frankly that he would like to have a new challenge at 33. He looked back over his decade in north London triumphs, and the physical setbacks that have shaped recent seasons. Interestingly, looking towards the future, he related the unpredictability of football careers to the unpredictability of slots; you can sometimes get a winning spin but sometimes the wheel just doesn’t align. It’s these maybes and ifs that make going back to square one a daunting yet exciting thought.

LAFC have been open about their interest, and the action would bring him back to a competitive but less demanding league. Spurs received more than £20 million for their captain, but the financial part almost takes a back seat to the symbolism of his departure. The club’s 17th-place finish in the Premier League last season along with Son’s lowest season in front of the goal since 2016 seemed to make certain his exit was both personal and a tipping point for the collective.

A decade of legacy and leadership

Son made his way to the Premier League from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015 and swiftly endeared himself to the Lilywhites faithful with his industrious style of play and flamboyant attacking skill. He’s fourth on their all-time scoring chart with 173 goals in 454 matches. As much as anything, he also proved a commitment figure, taking over as captain once Harry Kane had departed in 2023 and led this Spurs side to their first silverware in 17 years with Europa League success.

His voice was not just confined to the pitch. His performances helped to bring international fame to Tottenham, mostly in Asia. The club registered unprecedented sales of merchandise in South Korea, where the player’s name and number topped the list of shirt sales across the globe. To many fans, his going is much more than losing a player; it marks the end of a cultural bridge between Spurs and millions of fans across the globe.

Why now and what comes next for Spurs

A number of factors have, therefore, conspired to make this the right time for both parties. For Son, it’s been the opportunity of a fresh environment and the gratification of attaining some major lifelong ambitions, most notably lifting silverware. From Tottenham’s side, Thomas Frank is steering the squad towards a younger, more energetic front.

Tottenham have just signed Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert for left-wing roles. Some forward players like Richarlison and Mohammed Kudus can also play there.

This, of course, reduces the starting chances for Son. Though very good with his movement and instinct, his decreasing speed has already changed the modes of attack by the Spurs. He has sometimes been thrown on from the bench in important fixtures, indicating a smooth transition of team dynamics.

Off-field consequences and fan sentiment

The commercial consequences of this departure are sizeable. A portion of their very extensive Asian fan base could be lost, thereby accompanying valuable broadcasting deals and shirt sales. Some of these fans might follow him to LAFC, therefore diminishing the global reach of Spurs. Emotionally, it’s been a bittersweet response where pride has been interlinked with sorrow. People know the reason for his move but just can’t erase the nostalgia of seeing a true modern legend close his chapter at Spurs.

Looking back

However it is analysed, it is an announcement of a new and defining period for Tottenham, whether that is off the field, where it means challenging the club to retain its worldwide appeal without one of its most marketable assets, or on the field where it opens up chances for young players and tactical developments under Thomas Frank, it carries great weight.Instead of returning home to Korea, Son’s final move is to LAFC, where he will be hoping to build on the memories he has made in Europe.