Tottenham manager Thomas Frank calls Son Heung-min a legend as he departs, praising his contributions and opening opportunities for players like Brennan Johnson. Spurs face Newcastle before the Super Cup final.
Thomas Frank, the Tottenham Hotspur manager, has lauded Son Heung-min as an iconic figure for the club following the announcement of his departure this summer. Frank expressed his admiration for Son, recognizing his significant contributions and impact during his time with Spurs.
Son, who made the switch from Bayer Leverkusen to Tottenham in 2015 for a reported £22 million (€30 million), officially confirmed his exit during a pre-match press conference leading up to a friendly against Newcastle United. It's anticipated that the 33-year-old will join MLS side Los Angeles FC. He is set to captain Spurs in his final appearance against Newcastle in Seoul this Sunday.
Over his decade-long tenure in North London, Son has played in 454 matches for Tottenham across all competitions, amassing an impressive record of 173 goals and 96 assists. In the Premier League alone, he has scored 127 goals, sharing the 16th spot with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink on the list of the league's top goalscorers.
Since his arrival at Tottenham in the 2015-16 season, Son's involvement in Premier League goals is only surpassed by Mohamed Salah (270) and Harry Kane (231), with Son contributing to 198 goals. He is also among the elite 11 players who have achieved 70+ goals and 70+ assists in the Premier League.
Frank conveyed his disappointment at not being able to work with Son in the upcoming season but acknowledged his immense contribution in cementing his status as a legend at Tottenham. He remarked, "Personally, I would have cherished the opportunity to work with such a fantastic player and person. He is truly a Spurs legend and one of the greatest players to ever grace the Premier League."
Addressing the timing of Son's departure, Frank added, "It's never easy to determine the perfect moment, and with me stepping in from the side, it allows for a smoother conclusion on a high note."
With Son's departure, Frank faces the challenge of filling the void left in Tottenham's squad. However, he believes this presents an opportunity for other players to step up and claim a starting position. Frank highlighted Brennan Johnson, Wilson Odobert, and Mathys Tel as potential candidates to fill the gap on the left side of Tottenham's attack.
Frank stated, "When a player departs, it opens doors for others to shine. Brennan Johnson has experience on the left, Wilson Odobert performed admirably there against Arsenal, and Mathys Tel is also capable of playing in that role."
Tottenham's match against Newcastle will conclude their pre-season tour of Asia, following their 3-2 victory over Arsenal in the first North London derby played outside of England on Thursday.
Under Frank's leadership, Tottenham remains undefeated in the lead-up to the 2025-26 season, securing a win against Reading and draws against Luton Town and Wycombe Wanderers.
Looking ahead, Frank urged his players to build on their performance against Arsenal when they face Newcastle, which is their final game before the UEFA Super Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain on August 13.
Frank said, "I'm eagerly anticipating the match. Newcastle is a formidable team, expertly coached by Eddie Howe and his staff. I've always admired their approach.
He added, "It promises to be a highly competitive encounter and an excellent test for us. We hope to improve on our performance against Arsenal and build upon the positives. We aim to enhance our high and middle pressing, and in the attacking phases, I want to see greater creativity and execution."