Queens Park Rangers (QPR) player Yang Min-hyuk (19) created a disappointing scene that led to a goal in his second start, but expectations for his potential remain high locally. Some QPR fans have even expressed a wish for him to stay with the team for another season. However, Yang Min-hyuk will return to Tottenham, where ‘national team senior’ Son Heung-min (33) is.

The British publication ‘Football League World’ noted on the 4th (Korean time) that "Yang Min-hyuk has been impressive since joining QPR. He has made two starts so far. He faced difficulties in the match against Sheffield United, where they lost 1-2. However, he showed positive performances in the 4-0 victory against Derby County," adding that "some QPR fans have even argued that QPR should secure another contract for him (to remain longer)," highlighting that Yang Min-hyuk is having a successful loan experience.

Yang Min-hyuk received his second starting opportunity on the 2nd in the match against Sheffield United after being loaned to QPR.

Previously, he made his starting debut in the match against Derby County, recording his first assist. Although he sat on the bench in the match against Portsmouth, public opinion demanded that he should start again, and he participated from the first half against Sheffield as a substitute for Paul Smith.

His early performance in the match against Sheffield was not good. He lost the ball while attempting a counterattack in the 10th minute, leading to the team conceding the opening goal due to a rapid opponent attack. The mistake directly led to a goal, leaving a disappointment.

Although it was his first time conceding a goal due to his mistake on the British stage, Yang Min-hyuk was not discouraged. Instead, he displayed a more proactive attitude and attempted a bold shot. In the 23rd minute, he seized a ball that flowed to the front of the box during a corner kick and tried a left-footed shot, which was saved by the goalkeeper. Yang Min-hyuk was substituted in the 21st minute of the second half in place of Alfie Lloyd to finish the match. Despite the mistakes, evaluations followed that highlighted his confident game management in his second start.

The British publication ‘London World’ commented on Yang Min-hyuk, saying, "He showed excellent potential. While he lost the ball in the goal-scoring scene, it’s hard to consider it solely his fault due to the defensive line’s overall insecurity," and assessed, "Every time he got the ball, he created threatening situations for the opponent. If he had received Morgan's pass, he could have capitalized on a scoring opportunity."

QPR head coach Marti Sifuentes also reacted positively, stating, "Yang Min-hyuk has shown good performance and is progressing. He left an impressive mark in the recent two home games, and even in the match against Portsmouth, he impacted the team from the bench. He is a promising player with great potential for further growth."

Yang Min-hyuk will return to Tottenham after the season.

Tottenham Technical Director Johan Lang explained in an interview published on the club's official website on the 6th that "loaned players will return this summer."

He mentioned plans for the return of Yang Min-hyuk, along with Will Lancaster (West Bromwich) and Luka Gunter (Walthamstone). Director Lang said, "Loaning is a vital process for player development. Many key players in the club have gone through this stage. I believe Yang Min-hyuk, Will Lancaster, and Luka Gunter can all develop with consistent playing opportunities," he explained the background for the loan and added, "They will return and be ready for preseason participation this summer."

Yang Min-hyuk won the Young Player Award while playing for Gangwon FC in the K League last year. He drew significant attention by confirming his transfer to Tottenham last July during the 2024 season.

Yang Min-hyuk was expected to join the team in January this year, but the schedule was adjusted at the club's request, leading him to depart for the UK earlier in mid-December last year.

After joining Tottenham, Yang Min-hyuk had not yet played in an official match and was loaned to QPR in the second division on January 29 to seek playing opportunities. Coach Ange Postecoglou had previously mentioned, "Yang Min-hyuk is still a young player and needs time to adapt to the high league level here (in the first division)," predicting the loan, which has now become a reality. He is having a successful loan experience.

Son Heung-min is cheering for Yang Min-hyuk from afar.

Before the loan decision for Yang Min-hyuk, he cautiously requested in an exclusive interview with the British media 'Standard' on December 17 last year, "Please don’t put pressure on Yang Min-hyuk."

He previously mentioned Yang Min-hyuk in August as well. In an interview with American sports media 'Men in Blazers,' Son Heung-min said, “The Premier League is not easy at all. I want to tell him that it will be difficult,” adding, "To grow into a top-notch player, he must be perfectly prepared in various aspects such as language, culture, physique, character, and living apart from family."

He does not intend to intimidate Yang Min-hyuk. This is based on his own experiences, giving realistic advice.

Son Heung-min stated, "It’s the part that can realistically help Yang Min-hyuk," noting that "He may think he is doing well in the K League, but here, young players are always looking for opportunities. They will vie for positions against each other," highlighting the harsh future that Yang Min-hyuk will face.

Being that they play the same wing position, Yang Min-hyuk is often referred to as the 'second Son Heung-min.' Son Heung-min smiled and said, "I will help Yang Min-hyuk become a good player, but I have no intention of relinquishing my spot 100%. I won’t let him take it over easily," implying that Yang Min-hyuk needs to rise up based on his own abilities.

Nonetheless, Son Heung-min vowed, "I will also work hard. I need to become a better player myself."

If Yang Min-hyuk plays for Tottenham starting next season, he is likely to be a backup for his 'idol' Son Heung-min.

Recently, Son Heung-min has been embroiled in transfer rumors to Bayern Munich, but it seems unlikely he will leave the team this summer.

Alasdair Gold of ‘Football London,’ which primarily reports on Tottenham and boasts high credibility, has stated that Son Heung-min is not on the predicted list of players to be released this coming summer.

Gold, the dedicated reporter for Tottenham at ‘Football London,’ predicted on the 3rd which players Tottenham may sell in the summer transfer market.

He foresaw that Yves Bissouma (midfielder), Sergio Reguilón (defender), Richarlison, Bryan Gil, and Timo Werner (all forwards), as well as Fraser Forster and Alfie Whiteman (both goalkeepers) would depart.

He stated, “Since manager Ange Postecoglou took over as Tottenham’s head coach in the summer of 2023, the club has undergone rapid generational change. Many young players have been brought in, and the experienced high-salaried players have left the team. However, the team’s performance this season has not been good due to serious injury issues throughout the season,” adding, “It is expected that Postecoglou’s future will be determined after this season, but regardless of who the manager is next season, there will likely be a squad overhaul this summer. Key players are likely to leave, and unestablished prospects may transfer as well.”

Although Son Heung-min is included in the ‘key players,’ Gold does not anticipate that he will leave the team this coming summer.

[Photo] Son Heung-min ⓒGettyimages (no reproduction or redistribution without permission), Tottenham social media account

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