Son Heung-min, the Tottenham Hotspur captain, has announced his decision to leave the club after a decade of service, a move he described as the "most difficult decision" of his career. The 33-year-old South Korean forward revealed his intentions during a press conference in Seoul, ahead of Tottenham's pre-season friendly against Newcastle United.

"This was not an easy decision, but I have decided to leave the club this summer," Son stated, acknowledging the weight of his choice. "I will try my best to have a fun match tomorrow." He explained that he felt he had "achieved everything I can at Tottenham" and was seeking a "new environment for a fresh challenge".

Son's departure marks the end of an era for Tottenham, where he has become a modern-day great since joining from Bayer Leverkusen in August 2015. During his time in North London, he has made 454 appearances, scoring 173 goals and registering 101 assists. He became the first Asian player to score 100 goals in the Premier League and jointly won the Golden Boot in 2022. In May 2025, Son captained Spurs to victory in the UEFA Europa League, their first trophy in 17 years.

Los Angeles FC (LAFC) of Major League Soccer (MLS) has emerged as the frontrunner to sign Son. A move to LAFC would see him join former Spurs teammate Hugo Lloris and place him in the heart of the largest Korean community in the United States. MLS's growing profile, boosted by the presence of stars like Lionel Messi, is also said to appeal to Son. While Saudi Pro League clubs have also shown interest, Son reportedly prefers a move to the United States.

Tottenham has reportedly been supportive of Son's desire to leave, recognizing his immense contribution to the club over the past decade. Despite having a contract until 2026, the club is said to be flexible regarding the transfer fee, timing, and destination.

New Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Son's future. While initially hinting at a potential transfer, Frank later praised Son's professionalism and leadership. "Son is a player who can play an important role at Tottenham next season," Frank said. "He's a fantastic player who has accomplished a great deal with the club and is approaching pre-season training with great professionalism."

Son's teammates expressed disappointment but respected his decision. "I spoke with only a few guys, ones I've spent a long time with. They're disappointed but in a respectful way," Son said.

As Son Heung-min prepares for his next chapter, he leaves behind a legacy as one of Tottenham's all-time greats. His contributions both on and off the pitch have made him an icon for Spurs fans and a role model for aspiring footballers in South Korea and beyond.