Will Son Heung-min Leave Tottenham This Summer?

Speculation is growing around a potential Son Heung-min Tottenham transfer this summer. As Tottenham adapts to a new managerial era under Thomas Frank, fans and pundits alike are asking whether the South Korean star still fits into the club’s long-term vision.

1. Son Heung-min’s Contract and Transfer Options

Son Heung-min has one year left on his contract with Tottenham Hotspur. This summer presents the club’s last opportunity to sell him for a fee before he becomes a free agent next year. Theoretically, Son could either transfer now or fulfill his contract and leave as a free agent in 2026. His recent statements suggest a wait-and-see approach: he emphasized focusing on the present and observing how the situation unfolds—a sign of uncertainty surrounding his future at Spurs. Premier League 2025

2. Frank’s Silence: A Message?

New manager Thomas Frank notably omitted Son’s name during his introduction when discussing senior squad members. Some see this as an intentional exclusion, hinting that Son might not feature prominently in Frank’s plans. Alternatively, the club might be holding off on commenting about players with uncertain futures. It’s also worth noting that Cristian Romero—also linked with a move—was similarly excluded. This suggests club-driven messaging rather than a direct managerial decision.

3. Commercial vs. Competitive Considerations

Tottenham faces a dual challenge: optimizing both competitive performance and commercial revenue. Son is a marketing juggernaut, particularly across Asia, where his presence significantly boosts merchandise sales and global fan engagement. Selling him could yield a fee, but keeping him an extra season may generate substantial commercial returns through tours and sponsorships—even if he walks away for free next year.

4. Performance Dip in 2024-25: An Analysis

Last season marked Son’s lowest Premier League goal tally since his debut year. He scored 7 goals from an expected 7.35 xG—a sharp contrast to the 2021 season, where he scored 17 from just 8.9 xG. Analysts point to diminished confidence, tactical role shifts, and frequent injuries as key contributors to his decline. FBref 2025

5. Tactical Fit: Why Son Struggled Under Postecoglou

Postecoglou’s high-press, inverted fullback system pushed Son to wider positions, increasing his average shooting distance and reducing scoring efficiency. His historic success came from central, close-range finishes, often on the break. Tactical rigidity under Postecoglou forced Son into suboptimal positions—and it showed in his output.

6. Son’s Hidden Contributions

Despite the scoring slump, Son led Spurs in chance creation and assists. He recorded his highest career rates in both assists (0.38 per 90) and big chances created (0.68 per 90), ranking 5th in the league overall—a remarkable feat considering Spurs finished 17th. These stats underscore his continued value beyond goals.

7. Team Dependency: With and Without Son

When Son started, Tottenham’s win rate was 41.7%; without him, it plummeted to 7.1%. The team also averaged 2.1 goals per match with him versus just 1.0 without. This stark contrast highlights his indispensable influence, even during a “down year.” The data suggests that Spurs were drastically less effective when Son was absent.

8. What Thomas Frank Could Mean for Son

Frank’s flexible tactical approach and preference for direct play could reignite Son’s form. At Brentford, Frank built one of the league’s most efficient attacking setups on a modest budget, emphasizing short build-ups and aggressive transitions—styles that suit Son’s quickness and finishing ability. The Athletic 2025

9. Potential Resurgence Under Frank

Brentford under Frank had the shortest average shot distance in the league, meaning attackers received high-quality chances. His wingers were expected to score, not just assist—a role Son thrives in. Frank’s player development track record also bodes well: many Brentford forwards increased their value and productivity under his tutelage.

10. Conclusion: Should Son Stay or Go?

The decision hinges on whether Son wants one last challenge abroad or to cement his legacy at Tottenham. With a manager like Frank and system tweaks, a Son Heung-min Tottenham transfer might be unnecessary. But if he seeks guaranteed starts or trophies, a move could make sense. Regardless, fans agree: Son has earned the right to choose his next step.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Track official club statements regarding Son’s status.
2. Monitor summer transfer activity—incoming wingers, etc.
3. Watch pre-season line-ups and Son’s role under Frank.
4. Review Son’s public comments for hints.
5. Analyze media coverage from reputable sources.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming low goal tally means overall decline
• Ignoring tactical role changes in performance analysis
• Discounting commercial considerations in transfer decisions

FAQ

Q1. Why is Son Heung-min rumored to leave Tottenham this summer?
A. Because he has one year left on his contract and isn’t clearly in Frank’s plans.

Q2. What did Thomas Frank say about Son Heung-min?
A. Nothing directly—raising speculation, though it may have been strategic.

Q3. How did Son’s stats compare to previous seasons?
A. He had fewer goals but led the team in assists and chances created.

Q4. Could Son thrive under Thomas Frank?
A. Likely yes—Frank’s system may better suit his strengths.

Q5. Will Tottenham let Son leave on a free transfer?
A. It’s possible—especially if his commercial value outweighs a modest fee.

Expert Insight

“Son remains one of the most efficient attackers in the Premier League—even in a down season, his chance creation was elite.” — James Montague, Football Analyst

Further Reading & Sources

1. Premier League 2025
2. FBref 2025
3. The Athletic 2025