Hypothetically, which K League teams would be in contention to sign Son Heung-min? | OneFootball

South Korean national team captain Son Heung-min has announced that he is leaving Tottenham Hotspur this summer. Although a move to K League seems highly unlikely at this stage, hypothetically, which teams would be in contention for Son's signature? (Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday 2nd August in Seoul ahead of the final match of the 2025 Coupang Play Series, Spurs vs. Newcastle United the following day, Son revealed that he had told Tottenham Hotspur that, after 10 years with the north London club, he wants to leave.

What was said?

Before the press conference even began, Son revealed that he had something to say:

"I've made the decision to leave the team. I felt I should let you know before the press conference starts. I’ll do my best to enjoy tomorrow’s match and make it a good one."

You played at Tottenham for over 10 years. You must have many memories.

Being with one team for 10 years is something I’m proud of. I gave my all, every single day, both on and off the pitch. With the Europa League title, I felt I had achieved everything I could. This decision was the hardest one in my career. But now, I wanted a new environment and a new source of motivation. When I first came to Tottenham 10 years ago, I was a boy who couldn’t speak English well. Now I leave as a man. I believe timing is important when saying goodbye, and I felt now was the right time.

What was your standard for deciding the timing of your departure?

I’m not ready to give an answer on that just yet. I think I’ll be able to speak more clearly about my future after tomorrow’s match. The World Cup is the most important thing. It could be my last World Cup, so being in an environment where I can give everything matters most. Also important is being in a place where I can enjoy playing football. That’s what I’ve been thinking about.

Did you speak with your teammates about this decision?

So far, I’ve only told a small number of people with whom I’ve been the longest at the club. They were disappointed, of course. But overall, they respected my decision. Ben Davies, whom I’ve spent the most time with, shared his feelings with me. Goodbyes are always hard. I told them I would be leaving, and when I shared the news, I felt the players showed both disappointment and respect.

Is the match against Newcastle your last?

I’m focused on tomorrow’s match. I think I’ll be able to talk about my future plans and whether I’ll play in the Super Cup after the game.

As a senior and teammate, what advice would you give to Yang Min-hyuk, who plays with you tomorrow?Just watching him makes me proud. When I see young players competing and fighting in the Premier League, I feel proud. He’s someone with a bright future and a long way to go. Rather than hearing advice from me, there’s more he’ll learn and grow from by facing challenges himself. He’ll gain a lot from experience. He’s doing well enough already. I want him to focus on his own growth and not feel pressured.

What's next for Son?

Major League Soccer club LAFC seems the most likely destination for the 33-year-old, with talks said to be ongoing. Being contractually obliged to play in the August 3rd friendly match in Seoul against Newcastle United complicated things for a lot of European clubs. With the new season just around the corner, managers will want their transfer business done earlier. This may have prevented a reunion with Jose Mourinho and a move to Fenerbahce.

Which K League teams would be able to sign Son?

But, where could Son go if he were to sign for a K League club? When K League United asked the South Korean national team captain last year whether he'd ever play in the K League, cards were kept close to his chest.

"In football, you never know. I can't give you an answer right now, but I just want to focus on where I am now, so, as I said last year, before we started the season, I got a lot of things to do in the Premier League, so I want to improve as much as I can, and I want to be a better player as much as I can. So, yeah, football, you never know. I can't give you the answer, but you never know. Let's see what happens."

The most obvious is FC Seoul. Son began his youth career with FC Seoul in 2008 before departing for Germany the following year. Son has an apartment in Seoul, and the capital just has a good fit. Son also said, albeit many years ago, when asked in 2013 by Yun Il-lok, a former youth teammate with Seoul, that it would most likely be FC Seoul.

"That’s a tough question. (He paused for a while.) I think it would have to be Seoul. Partly because I went to Dongbuk High School..."

2. Daejeon Hana Citizen

New money Daejeon, bankrolled by Hana Financial Group, could be a destination for Son. who is one of Hana's main "models," or a major brand ambassador, and has been since 2018. With Daejeon as ambitious as they are, with the aim of becoming a "global football club," breaking the bank to sign a global football star like Son would be something Hana would likely be willing to do. The Hana connection makes Daejeon one of the leading contenders.

3. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors

Old money Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors have form for bringing Korean stars back from Europe, and they tried to bring back the biggest pre-Son star in early 2020 when Ki Sung-yeung was looking to return, as well. Jeonbuk may feel as though they are better placed to win trophies than any other K League team, giving Son a proper send-off and ending his career with a league title. Jeonbuk have the facilities and financial backing to be a contender for Son.

4. Ulsan HD

Flush from their Club World Cup windfall, Ulsan will have money burning a hole in the Horangi's pockets and would feel that they have every right to at least ask the question. Lee Chung-yong chose Ulsan as his final football destination after returning from Europe, and went on to win the AFC Champions League and three K League titles. Following in the footsteps of a mentor-type figure might be something Son would be willing to consider.

5. Gangwon FC

A left-field choice, but Son Heung-min was born in the province of Gangwon; in fact, he was born in Chuncheon, where the Bears play a lot of their home games. Gangwon wouldn't likely be able to meet the wage demands of a player of Son's standing in the game, but this could be a sentimental choice.