Heung-min Son’s departure from Tottenham Hotspur was confirmed on Wednesday night, closing the curtain on what has been an incredible decade at the club for the South Korean.
He joined the Lilywhites from Bayer Leverkusen back in 2015, with no supporter able to predict the successful spell enjoyed in the first team in North London.
The forward made over 450 appearances for the club, scoring 173 times, a tally that puts him fourth in the club’s all-time highest goalscoring list – joining former teammate Harry Kane in the top five.
However, it was undoubtedly the perfect time to depart the club, helping them end their 17-year wait for a trophy by claiming the Europa League title last season.
There’s no doubt he will be a huge miss, leaving a huge hole in the attacking department, which could see boss Thomas Frank delve into the transfer market in the coming days.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer
Real Madrid star Rodrygo has been strongly touted with a move to join Spurs this summer, after he was made available for transfer by new boss Xabi Alonso.
It’s been reported in recent days that the Lilywhites are preparing an opening offer to land the 24-year-old, who scored 14 times for the Spanish giants last season.
However, he’s not the only Brazilian currently on their radar, with Manchester City star Savinho a player they’re considering, according to GIVEMESPORT.
Their report claims no bid has yet been made for the 21-year-old, but Frank’s side have held internal talks for the forward, who registered 14 combined goals and assists in 2024/25.
It also states the player may fall down the pecking order at the Etihad throughout the upcoming campaign, which could see the attacker, who’s valued at £61m by FootballTransfers, depart Pep Guardiola’s side.
Why Spurs’ latest target would be the perfect Son & Kulu hybrid
Despite Son’s departure from Spurs, new boss Frank will be hoping to rely upon Dejan Kulusevski within the final third this season, with the Swede able to continue his tremendous form from the 2024/25 campaign.
The 25-year-old has had injury struggles in recent times and is expected to miss the start of the new campaign, but could prove to be a vital option if the side are to rise up the table in the near future.
The Swede registered 21 combined goals and assists in his 50 outings for the club last season, subsequently offering a versatile option within the attacking areas for the Lilywhites.
He can operate off either flank or in a number 10 position, something which could prove to be useful after it was confirmed James Maddison needed surgery on his ACL injury.
Savinho could also prove to be another key option, having similar levels of adaptability, able to feature across the frontline, which could see him be a suitable replacement for the outgoing South Korean.
He’s been labelled as a similar player to both Son and Kulusevski by FBref, managing to outperform the pair in numerous key areas – showcasing why he’d be such an excellent addition this window.
Savinho, who’s been labelled “unbelievable” by current boss Guardiola, completed more passes into the opposition box per 90, along with a higher tally of key passes – showcasing the creativity he possesses in attacking areas.
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How Savinho compares to Son & Kulusevski in the PL (2024/25) |
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|---|---|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90) |
Savinho |
Son |
Kulusevski |
|
Games played |
29 |
30 |
32 |
|
Goals & assists |
9 |
16 |
11 |
|
Pass accuracy |
81% |
78% |
73% |
|
Key passes made |
2.5 |
2.1 |
2.4 |
|
Passes into the 18-yard box |
2.4 |
2.1 |
1.9 |
|
Progressive carries |
7.1 |
4.1 |
4.3 |
|
Shot-creating actions |
5.7 |
5.1 |
4.8 |
|
Take-on success |
46% |
34% |
32% |
|
Carries into the 18-yard box |
3.8 |
1.8 |
1.5 |
|
Crosses completed |
4.3 |
3.3 |
3.3 |
|
Stats via FBref |
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He also notched more progressive carries per 90, with more of his dribbles with the ball going into the 18-yard box, adding another direct option to Frank’s already potent front line.
The Brazilian achieved a better take-on success rate and completed more crosses per 90, arguably being the perfect blend of the departed Son and current first-team star Kulusevski.
It’s unclear how much City would be demanding to part ways with the 21-year-old this summer, but it’s clear that he would be an excellent option for Frank in his quest for success in North London.
If he can replicate the levels produced by the aforementioned duo at the Lilywhites, he will certainly be a fan favourite and one that can add a new dimension to the club’s attacking department.
