Amid swirling rumors and mounting speculation, the future of Son Heung-min at Tottenham Hotspur remains a hot topic as the club embarks on its 2025 pre-season Asia tour. With the North London Derby set to take place outside England for the first time in history, fans and pundits alike are closely watching every development surrounding the South Korean star.
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has been vocal about Son's role in the upcoming season, signaling a strong desire for the forward to remain with the club. Speaking at a press conference on July 29, 2025, ahead of Tottenham's pre-season clash against Arsenal at Hong Kong's Kai Tak Sports Park, Frank praised Son's attitude and contributions. "Currently, Son is with the team. We are happy to have him. He has trained well and appeared in matches. The important thing is that he is a Tottenham player," Frank stated, emphasizing the player's integral position within the squad.
Frank further lauded Son's "tremendous achievements" at Tottenham, noting his exemplary leadership and positive mindset. "He has shown great leadership and has been a fantastic player for Tottenham," Frank told the EPL-focused YouTube channel Man in Blazers. "I see him playing a very good role next season. He has joined pre-season training with a great attitude and has motivated his teammates. So, expectations are high."
Son's versatility on the pitch was also highlighted by Frank, who acknowledged the forward's ability to excel both as a left winger and a central striker over the past decade. "Everyone knows he has performed exceptionally well in both positions. His strength lies in his goal-scoring ability, and how we utilize him is a crucial matter," the manager explained.
However, the backdrop to these affirmations is a complex transfer saga. Tottenham's recent attempt to bolster their attacking options by signing Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest hit a snag due to disputes over prior contact. Nottingham Forest subsequently secured Gibbs-White on a contract extension through 2028, closing the door on Tottenham's pursuit. This setback has intensified speculation about Son's future, though Frank's comments suggest the club still values his presence highly.
Son Heung-min's contract situation adds another layer to the uncertainty. Having activated a one-year extension option in January 2025, his agreement with Tottenham now runs until June 2026. Yet, the club has maintained a conservative stance regarding contract renewals for players entering their 30s, and at 33 years old, Son fits this profile. The player himself has been candid about his uncertain future, stating after the third round of 2026 North America World Cup qualifiers, "I don't know where I will be playing, but my commitment to giving my best remains unchanged."
Interest from Major League Soccer's Los Angeles FC (LAFC) has added fuel to the fire. Reports indicate LAFC has made an initial offer to Tottenham and intends to register Son as a Designated Player under MLS rules, which would allow them to offer a lucrative contract beyond the league's salary cap restrictions. This move comes following the departure of Olivier Giroud to French club LOSC, with LAFC targeting Son as a marquee signing.
European transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that Son and Frank are scheduled to meet to discuss the player's future, underscoring the ongoing negotiations. Yet, local reports suggest a contractual clause mandates Son's participation in Tottenham's Asia tour, implying that any transfer would likely be finalized after the tour concludes to avoid significant financial penalties for the club.
Indeed, Son is included in Tottenham's 2025 Asia tour squad, which features matches in Hong Kong against Arsenal on July 31 and in South Korea against Newcastle United on August 3, 2025. The latter fixture, held at Seoul World Cup Stadium, is expected to be a focal point for discussions about Son's future. British media outlet Telegraph has noted that if Son were excluded from the Korean tour squad, Tottenham would have to refund 75% of the agreed invitation fee for the Seoul match, adding financial pressure to the decision-making process.
The potential departure of Son could also have significant financial implications for Tottenham. Football Insider estimates that losing Son would cost the club approximately 110 billion won annually, reflecting his immense commercial and sporting value. His decade-long tenure at Tottenham has seen him become one of the Premier League's most prolific and beloved figures, making his next move one of the summer's most closely watched stories.
As Tottenham navigates this delicate period, the manager's recent remarks offer cautious optimism. Frank's praise of Son's "incredible achievements" and his belief that the forward will play a "very good role" next season suggest the club is keen to retain its star player, at least for the immediate future. Yet, with LAFC's interest and Son's own openness about his uncertain destination, the situation remains fluid.
Fans will be keenly watching the Asia tour, particularly the high-profile match against Newcastle in Seoul, for clearer signals on Son Heung-min's next chapter. Whether he continues his storied career at Tottenham or embarks on a new adventure in MLS, Son's commitment to excellence remains undiminished.
For now, the North London Derby in Hong Kong and the subsequent fixtures on the Asia tour provide the stage for Son Heung-min to showcase his talents once more, even as the football world awaits news of his future.
