It’s very rare in the modern professional game that footballers can spend a decade at the same club, but Heung-min Son managed just that for Tottenham Hotspur.
The South Korean joined the Lilywhites from Bayer Leverkusen back in the summer of 2015 as an unknown quantity to many supporters, but it’s safe to say he’s made a name for himself in the present day.
The winger racked up over 450 appearances between 2015 and 2025, scoring 173 times, which ranks him fourth in the club’s all-time goalscoring charts.
He even led the side to Europa League glory last campaign, captaining Ange Postecoglou’s men as they ended their 17-year trophy drought with a 1-0 win over Manchester United - a game which was his final competitive outing for the Lilywhites.
Son would leave the side this summer in a £20m deal, subsequently joining MLS outfit LAFC, leaving new boss Thomas Frank with the mammoth task of replacing the fan-favourite.
Spurs’ hunt to replace Heung-min Son this summer
A new left-winger has been a priority for Spurs and Frank this summer, which saw them target a move for Real Madrid star Rodrygo earlier this summer.
The Lilywhites were reportedly in talks with the LaLiga giants over a potential move for the Brazilian international, but their £86m asking price appears to currently be out of their range.
However, another name has emerged on their shortlist in recent days, with RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons the club’s latest target, according to German outlet BILD.
They claim that Frank’s men have made enquiry over the last few days, looking to gain more information about a potential move for the 22-year-old, who scored 11 times last season.
It’s also been reported that Chelsea remain in advanced talks with the Dutch international over a move to Stamford Bridge, but the Lilywhites could strike late and look to hijack the £60m deal.
Why Spurs’ latest target would be Frank’s own Son
As previously mentioned, Son was a real fan-favourite during his decade-long spell at Spurs - catching the eye, whether that be in a number ten or wide left role.
He was often capable of producing a moment of magic that gave the supporters the opportunity to get off their seats - a quality every fan wants in forwards who are employed by their club.
Arguably, his best goal came against Burnley back in December 2019, picking the ball up near his own 18-yard box before driving past countless opponents and eventually slotting home into the bottom corner.
Frank has the near-impossible task of replacing the South Korean in the final days of the window, needing to land a player who can develop into a similar talent in the years ahead.
Such a hunt may have led them to Simons, with the Dutchman possessing a lot of similarities to Son, before his own move to North London way back in 2015.
The Leipzig star is a year younger than the former Leverkusen talent when he joined the Lilywhites, whilst also being able to operate centrally or out wide, despite his tender age.
Frank’s men would also be landing a talent from the Bundesliga, just like they did with Son, with Simons managing to outperform the winger in key areas last season.
The Dutch star, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by Luka Modrić, registered more progressive passes per 90, with more of his attempts going into the final third - showcasing the creative nature he possesses with the ball at his feet.
However, he’s also managed to find the back of the net alone, posting a higher goal per shot on target rate, with such a tally making him a clinical option and aiding Frank’s hunt for new attackers.
Simons’ creativity is further highlighted by his ability to get into dangerous areas when in possession, completing more take-ons per 90, alongside more carries into the final third.
Such numbers allow him to breeze past the opposition before either going alone or having the tools to provide players around him the chance to improve their own tallies.
£60m would be a hefty figure, but they would be getting themselves a player who can emulate the success endured by Son - potentially being a bargain if he can reach the South Korean’s levels.
Chelsea’s interest in the Dutchman means they will have to work quickly to avoid missing out on his signature, potentially completing a hijack of their own in the closing stages of the window.