‘Tottenham face massive 8-figure loss year after year after Son Heung-min exit’
Tottenham need to prepare for huge financial losses should Son Heung-Min leave north London ahead of the start of the Premier League season.
A name that has become synonymous with Tottenham is South Korean footballing icon Son.
The number seven has been in north London for 10 seasons, making 333 appearances in the Premier League.
He has built an incredible Spurs reputation, sitting fifth in their all-time top goal scorers with 160 goals in all competitions.
Crucially, the forward did one thing record club goal scorer Harry Kane could never do, lifting a trophy by winning the Europa League.
At 33-years-old and with one-year left on his contract, Sonny will be considering his options ahead of potentially his last season in White Hart Lane.
But, the most invested party may not be Spurs fans, but actually the tens of millions of Korean supporters who follow the nation’s darling individually.
The Son effect at Tottenham
A report by the Daily Mail (26 July) stated that the 33-year-old’s financial pull is pivotal to the Spurs brand around the world, particularly in Asia.
Reportedly, the cost of Son’s departure in terms of revenue from his fanbase would be “estimated by industry experts to be in the region of £40-60million a season”.
His “K-factor” attracts South Korean fans to attend the Lilywhites’ matches with 12million of them citing Spurs as their favourite team, according to AIA research.
Daniel Levy faces critical decision over Son
Football Insider verdict
As he leaves his prime years, Lilywhites chairman Daniel Levy must figure out what to do over Son’s uncertain future.
Whilst the forward has been a loyal servant for the club, his value continues to go down as he moves further into his 30s.
The loss of Korean viewership would damage Spurs’ revenue in the short-term, although there is another bright Korean talent in the form of Yang Min-hyeok.
The 19-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at QPR, where he made 14 appearances, scoring twice.
Son’s exit could pave the way for a future Asian Tiger to develop, eventually progressing to the national team.
For the Tottenham captain, as he enters the twilight of his career, a move to a lower league could be a wise move.
Especially given the abundance of attacking talent Thomas Frank has at his disposal, transfer rumours with Son and LAFC do not seem so far-fetched.
Regardless of his legacy, the forward was simply not good enough last season, suffering with niggling injuries and poor performances.
Receiving a handsome fee for the number seven would be a suitable parting gift from Sonny to the club as he begins his footballing decline.