I still can’t get over the fact that Son Heung-min is no longer going to be part of the squad at Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. With reports indicating an agreement is in place for a transfer to MLS club Los Angeles FC, more news has started to come out around the circumstances of Son’s bittersweet departure:
Explained: Why Son Heung-min turned down Spurs’ June offer to stay In June, Thomas Frank asked Son to remain at the heart of his plans. Spurs also proposed a new contract after activating his 1-year
ADoption — but Son declined. Barça and Atleti showed interest in January,… pic.twitter.com/figRmnOTJs
— Han June Football-Asian.com (@holazuni) August 5, 2025
Football-Asian.com have had their finger on the pulse through this whole process, and their report gives fresh insight into why Son chose to go (and perhaps more importantly, when). It turns out that Thomas Frank was keen to keep the South Korean winger on, and Spurs actually offered Son a new, short-term deal to extend his stay at the club and build on his already massive legacy.
It seems Son, however, felt that football at the top level had taken its toll on him. A hectic travel schedule including international travel to turn out for South Korea was in some ways the least of his concerns, with multiple injuries impacting his form, not least a foot problem which would have caused him constant, nagging pain. The physical demands of Ange Postecoglou’s tactics also pushed him to the limit, with the article noting sources said Son felt he could end up holding the team back.
With all this in mind, Son rejected a longer renewal when Spurs executed the one-year extension option on his contract. He wanted to consider his options, but wasn’t ready to commit to leaving yet, with unfinished business in Lilywhite - even as offers came in from Spain and the Saudi league. That decision paid dividends, for both Son and the club, Spurs’ captain leading his side to an historic Europa League victory and cementing his name in the club’s folklore.
With his job done, it seems Sonny felt it was time to leave. It was a choice he felt was right for him, but one in which he never stopped thinking about the club. The report indicates he was grateful for all the club had invested in him over the last decade, and he wanted to ensure Spurs received a transfer fee for him, rather than seeing out his contract and leaving on a free.
It’s the kind of decision that speaks of the caliber of human Sonny is. Selfless, committed, and willing to sacrifice for the greater good. LAFC are lucky to have him. Spurs were lucky to have him. And most of all, us fans were blessed by his presence at our club.
Good luck, Sonny.
More from cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com:
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- Tottenham eying Brazilian attacker Malcom in January transfer window
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- Jan Vertonghen thinks Belgium has the advantage over England in World Cup
- Saturday football open thread
- The Hoddle of Coffee: Tottenham Hotspur News and Links for Friday, December 29
- Italian media claims Tottenham in for Ajax starlet
