Tottenham faces major challenge replacing Son Heung-min's unparalleled impact

Tottenham Hotspur cannot fill the void left by Son Heung-min (33) if he leaves now. This is the reality.

The Tottenham fan community "Spurs Web" noted on the 7th (Korean time), "Are Tottenham's wingers good enough to be responsible for the post-Son Heung-min era?" It added, "Tottenham fans have become accustomed to Captain Son Heung-min performing in crucial moments, but time has caught up with him. There are questions about whether Tottenham is ready to survive without him."

Currently, Son Heung-min's future is uncertain. His contract expires in the summer of 2026. Nevertheless, news of a contract extension has yet to emerge. Instead of offering a multi-year deal, Tottenham opted to activate a one-year extension option last January.

With the team's poor performance compounding the situation, transfer rumors have continued this summer. "Give Me Sports" claimed, "Son Heung-min and Richarlison are facing an uncertain future ahead of the new era. According to sources, Son Heung-min could become one of the high-profile players leaving Tottenham before the new era, as the club plans to upgrade the strongest starting 11 to end a long trophy drought."

The media also reported, "Despite Tottenham activating the one-year extension option, Son Heung-min will enter the last 12 months of his contract this summer. Tottenham is reviewing whether it can approve his sale if it receives offers during the transfer market."

Many believe that even if Son Heung-min stays with Tottenham, it will be difficult for him to play as a starter. "The Athletic" pointed out, "At some point, Tottenham will need to have a difficult conversation about what the future holds for the captain. Son Heung-min will be regarded as a Tottenham legend when he leaves, but can he play as a starter every week in a fully healthy squad? Is Son Heung-min ready to accept a reduced role?"

Earlier, the British "Team Talk" expressed similar sentiments, stating that it would be difficult for Son Heung-min to be a starter even if he remains at Tottenham next season. The media noted, "Son Heung-min will turn 33 in July and is generally on the decline. He still enjoys great popularity in the locker room", adding, "Assuming Ange Postecoglou is still the manager of Tottenham, Son Heung-min could become a good rotational player."

It has been suggested that he should even relinquish the captaincy. The media commented, "However, Tottenham tends to collapse in games when things do not go as planned. Better leadership on the pitch is needed moving forward. That is why Son Heung-min should give up his captaincy."

Harry Redknapp, who previously managed Tottenham, also weighed in, stating, "Son Heung-min is a good player, but I cannot see him as a (good) captain. If it were me, I would not use Son Heung-min as a captain on the left wing," adding, "As for who would be a suitable captain, I think it should be defender Archie Gray. He is 18 years old, and it is a crazy idea."

Spurs Web also pointed out, "Time is ticking for Son Heung-min at Tottenham. His goals are decreasing, and as he ages, debates are intensifying." It further commented, "Son Heung-min is 32 years old. His decline has become evident. Discussions about his successor have already begun," indicating that farewell to Son Heung-min is approaching.

Currently, there are several young wingers at Tottenham. Wilson Odobert, born in 2004, joined last summer, and promising rookie Mikey Moore, born in 2007, is also part of the team. Furthermore, in the last winter transfer market, Mathys Tel, born in 2005, has joined on loan. Yoo Min-hyuk, born in 2006, is also gaining experience through a loan to Queens Park Rangers.

However, it is uncertain whether any of them can immediately replace Son Heung-min. While they are certainly promising resources, the fact is they have not shown anything on the first team stage yet. It remains unclear whether they are qualified to play as starters in a team aiming for the Premier League's upper echelons.

Above all, Son Heung-min has had an incredible impact at Tottenham over the past decade. He has played over 400 matches wearing the Tottenham jersey, recording 172 goals and 94 assists. Since last season, he has also taken on the captaincy, leading the team.

Spurs Web also emphasized this point. The media stated, "If Son Heung-min were to leave tomorrow, Tottenham would have to rely on these young players to fill the void left by one of the greatest players in the club's history. But can any of them truly replicate what Son Heung-min has done?" It highlighted that "Son Heung-min has participated in the Champions League final and the EFL Cup final, playing a significant role in several fourth-place battles and two short title races."

Additionally, Spurs Web noted, "Beyond the numbers, Son Heung-min's loyalty and reliability were extremely valuable. He remained with the team during turbulent times. Despite having the ability to play for major European clubs, he rejected transfer opportunities. Son Heung-min's durability is also remarkable. He has missed only 54 matches due to injury over the past 10 years. Thanks to that, he was able to carry the attacking burden when Harry Kane was unavailable."

As such, if Son Heung-min leaves, there will inevitably be a significant gap on the left side of Tottenham. The media reported, "Realistically, if Tottenham were to part ways with Son Heung-min now, none of the current left options would reach his level. This does not mean they lack talent. However, there are many gaps they need to fill."

Finally, Spurs Web reiterated, "It is a challenging task to replace a club legend. Son Heung-min's departure will mark the end of an era for Tottenham, regardless of when it happens. His influence both on and off the pitch has been immense. Although Tottenham has assembled a promising group of young wingers, they are still far from replicating his impact."

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