Sports Mole

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank delivered a short but telling update on James Maddison following the midfielder's distressing injury against Newcastle United.

The 28-year-old came on for the final 15 minutes of Sunday's 1-1 friendly draw in South Korea, but his race was run after just 11 minutes owing to a serious-looking knee problem.

Maddison dropped to the turf clutching his right knee after an apparent awkward step, and the former Leicester City man covered his face with his hands as he was stretchered off.

Players from both sides - including the departing Son Heung-min - expressed great concern for Maddison, who also suffered from a moderate knee issue towards the end of last season, missing the Europa League final as a result.

Spurs are unlikely to learn the full extent of Maddison's injury for a couple of days, but there are already well-founded fears that the England international could be sidelined for a lengthy period, as he was seen making his way through the mixed zone on crutches after the game.

Frank delivers Maddison latest after Newcastle injury

Speaking to the media at his pre-game press conference, Frank conceded that Maddison's new injury appeared to be in the same area as his previous one, saying: "We're pretty sure it was the same knee he injured before."

Spurs are already missing fellow playmaker Dejan Kulusevski due to his own knee problem, and Frank does not anticipate having the Sweden international back for the start of the season.

The Lilywhites' only other out-and-out number 10 is 21-year-old Alfie Devine, who was left out of their pre-season tour squad in order to explore a loan move away from the club in the summer transfer window.

Other potential alternatives could include Lucas Bergvall and Mohammed Kudus, the latter of whom was brought on for Son Heung-min on Sunday as the South Korean made what is expected to be his last appearance for Tottenham.

Son announced his intentions to leave the club on Saturday and played 65 minutes as captain before an emotional farewell, where he was given a guard of honour by players from both sides prior to his substitution.

Frank provides Son transfer update after Spurs farewell

The 33-year-old is understood to be on the brink of joining MLS club Los Angeles FC for around £15m, and Frank confirmed that the deal is likely to go through imminently.

"I think it's very likely Sonny's last game because it's very close," Frank added, as quoted by football.london. "I think sometimes in life and football things can be both beautiful and brutal. That's what we got today.

"It looks like with Madders a bad injury and then on the other side unbelievable scenes for Son from his team-mates and the respect from the Newcastle players.

"First we had the walk-round and then the team-mates gathered around and he was emotional. In the changing room it was more of the same. I just said a few things but not much because it's about Sonny and then he said a few things. It was beautiful."

Son is expected to remain in South Korea rather than head back to Europe with Tottenham, who are next in action against Harry Kane's Bayern Munich on Thursday before facing Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup on August 13.

Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a potentially devastating injury blow ahead of the new season, as James Maddison appeared to sustain a severe knee problem in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Newcastle United in South Korea.

The Lilywhites and the Magpies played out a low-key stalemate at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on Son Heung-min's final appearance for the club ahead of his transfer to Los Angeles FC in MLS.

Son was given a guard of honour by both Tottenham and Newcastle players as he made his way off the pitch in the second half, while Maddison was applauding from the sidelines before being brought on himself.

However, just 11 minutes after his introduction, Maddison pulled up after appearing to awkwardly jar his knee in the turf, immediately signalling to the bench before dropping to the turf in agony.

The 28-year-old clutched his right knee and hid his face in his hands as teammates and medical stuff rushed to his aid, while Son sported a concerned look on the sidelines.

Maddison stretchered off with knee injury in Tottenham friendly

Maddison was eventually carried off on a stretcher to be replaced by Yang Min-hyeok, sparking immediate fears about a potential long-term problem for the former Leicester City playmaker.

Maddison missed the final few weeks of the 2024-25 season - including the Europa League final win over Manchester United - due to a previous knee injury, and he was making just his third appearance since the start of May on Sunday.

The 28-year-old previously played five minutes off the bench in Thursday's 1-0 North London derby win over Arsenal in Hong Kong, but he is seemingly now set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Head coach Thomas Frank will no doubt be asked for an update on Maddison's condition in his post-game press conference, although Spurs are unlikely to get the full picture for at least a couple of days.

The Lilywhites were already without Dominic Solanke, Destiny Udogie, Radu Dragusin, Dejan Kulusevski, Kota Takai, Manor Solomon and Bryan Gil due to injury, although the former is expected back in action imminently.

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While Tottenham must wait for the official diagnosis before drawing up firm plans, the early indications are that Maddison has suffered a crushing problem that could put him out for a matter of months.

The Englishman's latest knee-related blow is incredibly untimely for Thomas Frank, who will not have Kulusevski back for the start of the season either, while Morgan Gibbs-White unexpectedly signed a new deal with Nottingham Forest after a protracted transfer saga.

Lucas Bergvall can function as the most advanced midfielder, but Spurs' only other real alternative is 21-year-old Alfie Devine, who was omitted from their tour squad in order to pursue loan opportunities elsewhere.

Spurs could potentially now perform a U-turn and keep Devine for the first half of the season, but if their worst fears over Maddison do come true, it may be time to enter the transfer market again.

Son Heung-min led out Tottenham Hotspur for the final time on Sunday as they drew 1-1 with Newcastle United at Seoul World Cup Stadium.

Spurs' Brennan Johnson opened the scoring for Thomas Frank's side with just four minutes on the clock after some aggressive defending from Kevin Danso, whose tackle made its way to the Welsh forward.

Mathys Tel had the chance to double their lead, but the Frenchman missed his one-on-one chance when Nick Pope made a fine stop from close range with his outstretched legs.

In truth, Tel should have scored regardless, and he was made to regret his mistake when Harvey Barnes levelled the score for Eddie Howe's men before half time.

Son was substituted off just beyond the hour mark, and he received appreciation from both his teammates and the opposition, who honoured the Premier League icon as he exited the pitch.

SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT

Spurs legend Son announced that he is set to leave the club in search of a new challenge, and it was certainly an emotional evening in Seoul for the South Korea captain.

After 10 years, Son has become ingrained in the Londoners modern history, and it will be difficult for them to replace their number seven, both in terms of his quality on the pitch and his presence off of it.

The one sour note for the evening was that James Maddison, who had only recently returned to fitness, was injured and had to be taken off on a stretcher.

As for Newcastle United, they gave a good account of themselves considering that they had lost the previous five games in a row, with Bruno Guimaraes a standout once again as Howe's side controlled possession.

The Magpies were also without Alexander Isak, who has now returned to his assigned schedule after training alone in Spain amidst intensifying interest from Liverpool.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR VS. NEWCASTLE UNITED HIGHLIGHTS

Brennan Johnson goal vs. Newcastle United (4th min, Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Newcastle United)

Spurs centre-back Kevin Danso tackles Jacob Murphy and the ball finds its way to Brennan Johnson, who carries it forward in the centre of the park before his shot from 20-yards out deflects off of Dan Burn and into the bottom-left corner.

Johnson pays tribute to Son by imitating his trademark celebration.

Pedro Porro kicks a hopeful ball down the right-hand side of the pitch, and former Bayern Munich man Mathys Tel capitalises on an unfortunate stumble in the Newcastle backline to go one-on-one with Nick Pope, though the Magpies' goalkeeper stops his tame shot from eight yards out.

Harvey Barnes goal vs. Tottenham Hotspur (38th min, Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 Newcastle United)

Newcastle work the ball excellently all the way from the edge of their own box to the left wing through some slick passing from the likes of Joelinton and Anthony Gordon, and Harvey Barnes picks it up before cutting inside and rifling a powerful, surpising strike into the left-hand side of the goal off the post.

Teary-eyed, the Spurs captain is embraced by both sets of players on the pitch before they line up and pat him on the back as he hands the armband to Ben Davies and exits the pitch for the final time as a Tottenham player.

MAN OF THE MATCH - BRUNO GUIMARAES

The combative Bruno Guimaraes was not only top of the charts for duels won on Sunday with eight, he also managed to create four chances for his teammates, more than any other player on the pitch.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR VS. NEWCASTLE UNITED MATCH STATS

Possession: Tottenham Hotspur 38%-62% Newcastle United

Shots: Tottenham Hotspur 7-12 Newcastle United

Shots on target:Â Tottenham Hotspur 5-2 Newcastle United

Corners:Â Tottenham Hotspur 6-2 Newcastle United

Fouls:Â Tottenham Hotspur 10-6 Newcastle United

WHAT NEXT?

Up next for Tottenham is a trip to the Allianz Arena to take on Bayern in a friendly on August 7, while will host Espanyol at St James' Park the following day.

Son Heung-min has announced that he is to depart Tottenham Hotspur after a decade at the London club, with the 33-year-old forward reportedly not considered a part of Thomas Frank's first XI.

The South Korea star has become a legend at Spurs, captaining them to their first trophy in 17 years and staying loyal despite interest from some of the world's biggest clubs and the exits of crucial teammates.

However, with what is likely to be his final World Cup coming up in 2026, Son is looking for a club that can offer him a regular starting spot, and MLS' Los Angeles FC are reportedly close to securing his signature this summer.

The former Bayer Leverkusen hitman is renowned as one of the best finishers of the modern era, and famously struck up a deadly partnership with England striker Harry Kane that was the bane of teams throughout the Premier League.

Here, Sports Mole considers Son's legacy both with Spurs and in the English top flight.

Son: A Tottenham Hotspur legend

Son joined Tottenham for £18m in the summer of 2015, signing from the Bundesliga with the reputation of being a hard-working forward.

In the almost 10 years since, he became Spurs' fifth-highest ever scorer and record assist maker, with an impressive 173 goals and 101 assists across 454 appearances.

Endearing himself to the fans with his combination of tireless pressing and technical prowess, the South Korean talisman was part of a number of memorable wins and was key in bringing Champions League football to Tottenham, not to mention reaching the 2018-19 final under Mauricio Pochettino.

Another reason for the deep-rooted adoration of the number seven is the fact that he gave his best years to the club, even though reported offers from the likes of Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool could have given Son more trophies to look back on when he eventually hangs his boots up.

The contrast between his decision to stay and Kane - an academy graduate - choosing to leave speaks for itself, and Spurs fans were especially grateful considering the uncertainty that the side faced when their prolific striker left to join Bayern Munich.

In terms of the club's history books, they will remember Sonny as the captain that led the team to their first trophy since 2008, and their first European title in more than 50 years.

That being said, Son has naturally declined, and given that he struggled for fitness in 2024-25, perhaps it would be best to part ways while the attacker's best moments are fresh in the mind.

Son: A Premier League legend

It would be fair to say that Son does not have a trophy haul that reflects the calibre of player that he was during his time with Tottenham, though he is still held in high esteem by general football fans.

In 2021-22, the forward collected the top-flight's Golden Boot, sharing the award with Mohamed Salah after hitting 23 league goals in a single campaign.

Notably, zero of Son's goals that season came from the penalty spot, making him the only player since Sadio Mane in 2018-19 to have won the prize without being his team's dedicated penalty taker.

Adding to his legacy is the record-breaking duo he formed with Kane, as while there have been plenty of iconic tag-teams in the Premier League including the likes of Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba or Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, none managed the raw output of the Tottenham pair.

The two combined to put the ball in the back of the net on 37 separate occasions, struck fear into defenders around the country and were responsible for single-handedly winning matches at times, especially against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, who were on the unfortunate end of a number of Spurs triumphs.

Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund has insisted that Joao Palhinha's move to Tottenham Hotspur will not take long to be resolved.

The Londoners managed to claim a victory against fierce rivals Arsenal during their pre-season campaign, winning 1-0 on Thursday thanks to midfielder Pape Sarr's long-range strike.

New boss Thomas Frank has brought back a sense of optimism to supporters following the team's disastrous displays in 2024-25, when they finished 17th in the Premier League.

Spurs have made a number of additions this summer in a bid to address the frailties within their squad, and they are reportedly closing in on a loan deal for Bayern midfielder Palhinha.

According to BILD reporter Heiko Niedderer, the Bavarians' sporting director Freund has expressed confidence that a transfer would soon be completed, saying: "If everything goes smoothly, it won't drag on endlessly. Soon."

The deal to bring the Portuguese defensive midfielder to England would also include the option to buy him permanently for £26.1m next summer.

Why Thomas Frank wants to reinforce in midfield

Tottenham performed well last season from an offensive perspective despite the club suffering an injury crisis, scoring 64 goals in the league, the joint seventh best return in the division.

However, Spurs also conceded on 65 occasions, their worst defensive performance across a league campaign since 1992-93, when they conceded 66 times.

Frank currently has a number of midfield options available to him, but the likes of Yves Bissouma have so far failed to impress on a consistent basis.

Palhinha is capable of playing well in a possession-oriented system like Bissouma, but he also demonstrated during his time in the Premier League with Fulham that he is a formidable defensive presence as well.

Frank found great success at Brentford using Christian Norgaard as the Bees' number six, and it is not surprising that he has looked to bring in Palhinha considering the two are stylistically similar.

Can Tottenham Hotspur challenge for the Champions League places?

Frank's primary challenge as Spurs boss will be to get his side back to competing in the Champions League on a regular basis, as while they qualified for the tournament thanks to winning the Europa League in 2024-25, their only realistic pathway to the competition in 2026-27 is through league placement.

The addition of stars such as Mohammed Kudus has significantly strengthened Tottenham's forward options, but it would be difficult to see the club closng the gap to Newcastle United and Chelsea without improving their performances out of possession.

Palhinha may be 30 years old, but if he can help stabilise Tottenham's defensive base in 2025-26, then the team's attackers will be better able to influence play in the final third without having to always track back.

An illustrious 10-year era is about to draw to a close in North London, as Tottenham Hotspur legend Son Heung-min has confirmed that he plans to leave the club during the summer transfer window.

The 33-year-old became just the 13th man to captain the Lilywhites to a trophy in last season's Europa League, having had his contract extended until the end of the 2025-26 campaign in a bid to finally earn him that precious winners' medal.

Having now achieved everything that he could possibly achieve - in his own words - Son is set to leave Spurs as their fifth-highest goalscorer of all time, as well as the highest-scoring non-Englishman the club has ever had.

Head coach Thomas Frank can already call upon Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert to fill Son's boots, but both men are far from the finished product, while Mikey Moore is spending the 2025-26 season on loan with Scottish Premiership giants Rangers.

The Lilywhites hierarchy are therefore facing a critical decision over whether to sign an out-and-out replacement for Son, but several left-sided attackers immediately spring to mind when contemplating a natural successor.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at seven players Spurs could target to succeed Son next season.

Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United | 21)

If Spurs are to go down the youthful route to sign Son's replacement, they should find Manchester United to be very receptive to any offers for the wantaway Alejandro Garnacho, whose relationship with Ruben Amorim is broken beyond repair.

Player and manager fell out in the wake of Spurs' success over Man United in the Europa League final, where Garnacho was only given 19 minutes as a late substitute, leading to a sly dig from the winger and a less dignified calling-out from his brother and agent.

Nevertheless, Garnacho still managed to hit double figures in both goals and assists across all competitions last season, while also ranking in the top 5% of wingers in Europe for progressive carries per game with 5.79.

Tottenham are understood to be interested in the 2004-born attacker, who will likely be allowed to depart for around £40m, although Garnacho has apparently earmarked another team as his preferred destination for a summer move.

Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig | 20)

Spurs signed Son from the Bundesliga as a fresh-faced 23-year-old, and there is every chance that they could turn to the German top flight again to pick out the South Korean's follow-up act.

Twenty-year-old Antonio Nusa has already made an impression both internationally and domestically since bursting onto the scene with Club Brugge, producing five goals and seven assists in his debut season for RB Leipzig last term.

Eerily, the 2005-born attacker also boasts that exact total number of contributions for Norway - albeit from just 15 appearances - and he has averaged just over five take-ons per game over the past year.

However, as Leipzig are about to lose Xavi Simons to Chelsea and could also lose Benjamin Sesko to either Newcastle United or Manchester United, Spurs could run into stiff resistance should they also try to lure Nusa away from the Red Bull Arena.

Jack Grealish (Manchester City | 29)

Moving up the experience scale, Manchester City's Jack Grealish - who celebrates his 30th birthday in just over a month's time - would mentor, cover for and compete with the likes of Tel and Odobert at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Once worth an astronomical £100m, the former Aston Villa sensation has failed to justify his nine-figure price tag across his four seasons at the Etihad Stadium, and a parting of the ways is now bound to happen sooner rather than later.

Tottenham are understood to be one of the teams keeping a close eye on Grealish's future, and the Lilywhites may have been handed a boost in their pursuit of the England international, as another one of his suitors - Everton - are now prioritising a deal for Southampton's Tyler Dibling.

However, while Grealish has always been a phenomenal ball carrier and chance creator when given his freedom on the pitch, he would be highly unlikely to replicate Son's output in front of goal, and the signing of Mohammed Kudus may reduce the need for a player of the Englishman's profile.

Rafael Leao (AC Milan | 26)

Perpetually linked with an exit from AC Milan but yet to attract a serious suitor, Rafael Leao is currently set to enter his seventh season at San Siro, where he continues to put up stellar figures on the scoring and playmaking front.

Leao has produced at least 10 assists in each of his last four Italian top-flight campaigns, and he has scored at least 12 goals in all competitions in every season since 2021-22 too, giving him a total of 132 direct involvements from 260 games for Milan.

The Portugal international recently stole the show in Milan's 4-2 pre-season win over Liverpool, putting in a man-of-the-match display with a goal and an assist, but question marks remain over his consistency.

Furthermore, Leao's contract - which runs until 2028 - contains a €175m (£152.8m) release clause, and the Rossoneri are expected to demand at least €100m (£87.3m) to even entertain the idea of him leaving this summer.

Rodrygo (Real Madrid | 24)

Audacious but not entirely unattainable, Spurs could make their own Galactico signing by prising Rodrygo away from Real Madrid, in what would no doubt be a new record transfer for the reigning Europa League champions.

The 24-year-old has struggled to achieve the same lofty status as Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe at the Bernabeu, although 68 goals and 51 assists from 270 games is still nothing to be scoffed at, and nor is two Champions League titles.

After an underwhelming Club World Cup campaign in which he only played 92 minutes, Rodrygo is a player whom Real Madrid are thought to be open to selling for the right price this summer, and Spurs have been credited with a shock interest in the former Santos starlet.

North London rivals Arsenal appear to have cooled their interest in Rodrygo, but another Premier League club have supposedly agreed personal terms with the South American, so Spurs ought to move fast if they are to turn the attacker's head.

Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace | 27)

Only a matter of weeks ago, Spurs appeared to be looking good for a blockbuster deal for Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze, one of the hottest properties on the playmaking market after going from strength to strength in 2024-25.

The 27-year-old enjoyed his most productive Premier League season in terms of goal contributions last term - eight of his own and eight assists - but more importantly, his strikes proved pivotal in propelling the Eagles to FA Cup stardom.

However, Palace are currently bound for the Conference League amid their ownership quarrel with UEFA, whereas Tottenham could offer Eze the chance to play under the bright lights of the Champions League, although they are thought to have cooled their interest a while back.

Tottenham's call allowed Arsenal to jump to the head of the queue, but the Gunners are yet to agree a fee with Palace, so it is not impossible to envisage Eze's head being turned if Spurs re-enter the race with intent.

Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC | 27)

During his forgettable first spell in English football, Ademola Lookman's most noteworthy contribution was probably his atrocious attempt at a Panenka penalty for Fulham in 2020, where he inexplicably wasted the chance to level a London derby with West Ham United in the 98th minute.

However, the London-born attacker has since redeemed himself with Atalanta BC, scoring 52 goals over the past three seasons, including an unforgettable and historic hat-trick in the 2023-24 Europa League final thumping of Bayer Leverkusen.

Lookman's feats in Italy have caught Spurs' eye - according to CaughtOffside - and the Nigeria international would also be able to replicate Son's versatility, having shone as a central striker, left-winger and second striker throughout his time in Serie A.

Inter Milan appeared to be Lookman's likeliest next destination earlier this summer, but the Nerazzurri have apparently moved on to Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku after seeing two bids rejected by Atalanta, so the door is now ajar for Tottenham to make their move.

Son Heung-min has reportedly agreed to join Los Angeles FC ahead of his Tottenham Hotspur exit.

The Spurs captain announced on Saturday morning that he has made the difficult decision to leave the club despite having a year left to run on his contract.

Son will leave a significant void in Thomas Frank's side after firmly establishing himself as a club legend during his 10-year stay in North London.

The 33-year-old is set to leave the club after netting 173 goals and providing 101 assists in 454 competitive appearances.Â

After helping Spurs win the Europa League in May, the South Korea international is now set to try a new challenge in the MLS.

Son agrees LAFC switch

According to GIVEMESPORT, the Tottenham star has agreed to complete a move to Los Angeles FC.Â

Los Angeles' South Korean Community is said to have been a major factor in Son's decision to join the MLS franchise.

Son will also get the chance to spend a year in the United States before he represents South Korea at the 2026 World Cup, which will be held across the USA, Mexico and Canada.Â

The report claims that LAFC sent a delegation to South Korea, where Tottenham are preparing for Sunday's friendly against Newcastle.

LAFC are now working to finalise an agreement with Spurs over a permanent transfer, with the proposed fee expected to be less than the €40m (£35m) Tottenham had quoted the player's Saudi Pro League suitors earlier this year.Â

Son to reunite with former Spurs teammate

Son is set to enter new surroundings in Los Angeles, but he will link back up with a familiar face when he completes the move.

Steven Cherundolo's squad features former Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who joined the MLS club from Spurs in January 2024.Â

Incidentally, another former Tottenham star, Gareth Bale, ended his club career with LAFC, scoring a dramatic equaliser in the 2022 MLS Cup final against Philadelphia Union, to force a penalty shootout, which was eventually won by the Black and Gold.

Son will join a club that are sitting in sixth place in the Western Conference after winning 10, drawing six and losing six of their 22 MLS matches this season.

When the majority of UK-based Tottenham Hotspur supporters were fast asleep in the early hours of Saturday morning, Son Heung-min dropped the bombshell that the Lilywhites faithful may or may not have anticipated; the Spurs captain would be leaving the club this summer.

Son made the announcement in a joint press conference with Thomas Frank ahead of Sunday's friendly with Newcastle United in South Korea, explaining that he had achieved everything that he could possibly achieve in North London after finally leading Spurs to glory in last season's Europa League.

The 33-year-old will lead Tottenham out as captain at least once more before an expected move to Los Angeles FC, and he will bid farewell to England with a stellar record of 173 goals in 454 matches for Spurs, making him their fifth-highest scorer of all time.

Son's 173 strikes inevitably include some long-range stunners and sensational solo efforts, and here, Sports Mole counts down the South Korean's best 10 goals in a Tottenham Hotspur shirt.

Thirteen is unlucky for some, although it was anything but for Son in September 2022, where the South Korean scored a scintillating hat-trick in a 6-2 thumping of Leicester City.

Son had been demoted to the bench by Antonio Conte amid a dry spell in front of goal, but after being introduced with his side 3-2 to the good, the rejuvenated attacker ran the Foxed defence ragged to put Spurs out of sight.

Fronting up to Wout Faes and Jonny Evans, Son's first of the night was an astounding curler into the roof of the net from 20 yards, before he left with the match ball under his arm.

One of many historic feats Son achieved in a Lilywhites shirt, the 33-year-old struck his 100th Premier League goal against Brighton & Hove Albion in 2023, and in customarily spectacular fashion.

Twenty yards away from goal in the left half-space, Son worked a shooting angle for himself before bending a wonderful effort into the far corner to bring up his PL century.

In doing so, Son became the first-ever Asian player to register 100 goals in the competition, helping Cristian Stellini's Spurs on their way to a 2-1 success in North London.

Only against Southampton (13) does Son boast more goals than he does against Leicester (10), who were the victims of another South Korean stunner towards the end of the 2021-22 Premier League season.

Son had already bagged one for himself at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, before producing one of his trademark tremendous finishes to launch the Lilywhites into a 3-0 lead.

The attacker collected possession from Dejan Kulusevski just outside the penalty area, aimed for the top corner and found it with panache, leading to astonished hands-on-heads reactions from Emerson Royal and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

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The pick of the bunch from the earliest days of Son's Spurs career, the South Korean once again followed up a fine strike with an even better one against Middlesbrough in 2016.

Already boasting one goal to his name at the Riverside Stadium, Son advanced to the left byline with red shirts swarming over him, but he managed to retreat and keep hold of the ball while doing so.

The angle then opened up for Son to let fly from just inside the penalty area, and let fly he did with a homing missile into the far side of the net, which left Victor Valdes rooted to the spot.

Taking their London rivals to the cleaners in November 2018, Spurs outfought and outclassed Chelsea at Wembley Stadium, where Dele Alli and Harry Kane quickly propelled Tottenham into a 2-0 advantage.

Meanwhile, Son was enduring an evening of frustration, as Kepa Arrizabalaga had the South Korean's number at first, albeit only until his solo brilliance shone through.

Son easily burned Jorginho for pace on the right wing, skipped past David Luiz as he cut inside and coolly slotted home Spurs' third to end the derby as a contest.

Anything Pedro Obiang could do, Son could do better, as the Tottenham captain stole a point for his side at home to West Ham United in January 2018 with a sumptuous screamer.

Obiang had already stunned the Wembley crowd into silence with his own long-range rocket, but Son responded in kind after being afforded all the time and space he needed to pick his spot.

Mark Noble meekly tried to get in the way of Son's 30-yard attempt, but it was a futile endeavour as the Spurs man unleashed a wonder strike into the top corner.

Spurs vs. Arsenal in December 2020 was one of the few occasions that season where fans were permitted entrance into the stadium, as the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc across the globe.

Those select few who witnessed that North London derby in person also witnessed another Son stunner, one unsurprisingly set up by his deadly double act partner Harry Kane.

Son charged at the Arsenal backline after a delicate flick from the England captain, and as the Gunners defence retreated, green grass opened up for the South Korean to fire away.

A few seconds later, Son was wheeling away in celebration after curling a magnificent strike into the far corner, before returning the favour to Kane in a 2-0 success.

The long-range curlers dried up as Son entered the final two years of his Spurs career, but the veteran attacker still had one last moment of magic left in him in December 2024.

Manchester United had threatened a comeback from 3-0 down in the second leg of their EFL Cup quarter-final, reducing the deficit to 3-2 before Son lined up a corner on the left-hand side.

Son's delivery missed all of his teammates but remarkably ended up finding its way in at the back post; Altay Bayindir's desperate pleas for a foul went unanswered.

Well, the best goal in the world was never not going to be the best goal on this list.

A couple of months before the coronavirus forced the closure of grounds across the globe, a bustling Tottenham Hotspur Stadium witnessed a Puskas Award-worthy goal from one of their favourite sons.

After Burnley failed to make the most of a promising situation, Son collected the ball just outside his own penalty area, left almost the entire Clarets team trailing in his wake and finished the most extraordinary solo run with the most composed finish.

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank hailed Son Heung-min as one of the best wingers to ever play in the Premier League as he reacted to the 33-year-old's decision to leave the Lilywhites.

Ahead of Sunday's pre-season friendly with Newcastle United in South Korea, Son confirmed to the media that he would be leaving the Europa League winners this summer following 10 years of service.

The former Bayer Leverkusen man explained that he had achieved everything that he could in North London and was now seeking a fresh challenge, having become just the 13th Spurs captain to lift a trophy last season.

Son informed head coach Frank of his decision to depart before his public announcement, and the Spurs boss joined his skipper for an emotional press conference on Saturday, where he expressed his view that the 33-year-old was going at the perfect time.

"For me personally, I would love to work with him," football.london quotes Frank as saying. "He is a fantastic person and player. I’ve had the opportunity to watch him from a distance.

Frank hails Son as one of Premier League's best wingers as Spurs exit confirmed

"He has been here 10 years at Spurs, not just 10 years but 10 amazing years. He is a truly Spurs legend in every aspect. I actually think one of the best players who has ever played in the Premier League as a winger in my opinion.

"I like the club has been open to it because it is never easy to find that perfect timing and me coming in a little bit from the side I think it’s probably the perfect timing going out on a high.

"Been here for 10 years, won a well deserved trophy. Been a key player for many seasons. It’s almost the perfect ending to a happy family."

The Dane also confirmed that Son would start and captain the Lilywhites in Sunday's showdown with Newcastle in his homeland, where the South Korea legend may or may not be making his final appearance in a Tottenham shirt.

The Europa League winners also take on Bayern Munich next Thursday, where Son could come up against former deadly double act partner Harry Kane one last time, before taking on Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup on August 13.

Son to leave Tottenham: Where will the Spurs legend go next?

Son was inevitably quizzed on his next career move following his exit bombshell, but the former Bayer Leverkusen attacker refused to discuss transfers, insisting that his complete focus was on Newcastle.

However, the 33-year-old is expected to make the move to MLS outfit Los Angeles FC, who were reported to have been advancing in conversations with the Europa League-winning captain last week.

Son is also understood to be a target for clubs in the Saudi Pro League, but the attacker's preference is to move to MLS, where he would replace Olivier Giroud following the ex-Arsenal and Chelsea striker's switch to Lille.

Son sits fifth in Spurs' all-time scoring charts with 173 goals from 454 appearances, making him the highest foreign goalscorer in the club's history, while he also boasts an eye-catching 101 assists for the Lilywhites.

The 33-year-old also became the first Asian man to win the Premier League Golden Boot in 2021-22 - sharing the accolade with Mohamed Salah - prior to which he also claimed the Puskas Award in 2020 for his sensational solo effort against Burnley.

Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min has confirmed that he will be leaving the Lilywhites this summer following a decade of stellar service.

The 33-year-old's contract was extended until the end of the 2025-26 season earlier this year, as then-manager Ange Postecoglou was keen to ensure that his skipper had the best possible chance of winning a trophy in North London.

Son's silverware goal was achieved in last season's Europa League, and the South Korea international's future has been the subject of increasing uncertainty ever since, as clubs in MLS and Saudi Arabia are believed to be targeting him for a summer move.

The attacker is currently with the Spurs squad in South Korea ahead of Sunday's friendly with Newcastle United, and he gave an emotional press conference on Saturday, where he confirmed his plans to leave the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the current window.

"Before we start, I just want to share the information that I have decided to leave this club this summer. Respectfully, this club is helping me to make my decision. I just want to share this before we start," football.london quotes Son as saying.

Son explains Tottenham exit decision ahead of expected Los Angeles FC transfer

"It was the most difficult decision I have made in my career. I have spent 10 years at Tottenham. The main reason is I have achieved everything I can at Tottenham.

"I need a new environment for a fresh challenge. I’m grateful the club have respected my decision and wish Spurs well for the next season."

Asked when he made the decision to leave the Lilywhites, the former Bayer Leverkusen man confirmed that he had set his sights on a new chapter some time ago, adding: "It's been a while since I decided to leave the club.

"It was not easy days or weeks for me. I always try to be happy and I'm happiest when I'm playing football, but, it's not easy to leave the club where I spent 10 years light-hearted."

Son refused to reveal where he would go after leaving Tottenham, but the Spurs captain is expected to join MLS outfit Los Angeles FC, who are said to be in advanced talks to sign him once Tottenham return from their pre-season tour of Asia.

Son's Spurs legacy analysed as exit decision confirmed

Any man who captains Spurs to a slice of silverware achieves legendary status in North London, and Son will cross the Atlantic having cemented his legacy at White Hart Lane and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for decades to come.

The 33-year-old can proudly claim to be the highest non-English scorer in Spurs' history, finding the back of the net 173 times to sit fifth in the club's all-time male scoring charts.

Only Harry Kane (280), Jimmy Greaves (268), Bobby Smith (208) and Martin Chivers (174) registered more competitive goals for Tottenham than Son, who also laid on a terrific 101 assists for his teammates in his 454 appearances, the latter being the seventh-most in the club's history.

Not a single Spurs fan should forget Son's extraordinary solo run and finish against Burnley in December 2019, which earned him that year's Puskas Award, and he also shared the 2021-22 Premier League Golden Boot with Liverpool's Mohamed Salah.