The imminent departure of Heung-min Son, Tottenham Hotspur’s captain and icon, to LAFC in the MLS is shaking up the European transfer market. According to the Spanish newspaper AS, the London club has identified 24-year-old Real Madrid forward Rodrygo as the ideal replacement for the 33-year-old South Korean star. The transfer, valued at around 90 million euros, aims to bolster Tottenham’s squad for the 2025/26 Champions League. The deal hinges on direct talks with Rodrygo’s representatives, already authorized by Real Madrid, and the player’s decision, as he faces competition for a spot in Madrid. This move reflects Tottenham’s strategy to remain competitive after losing their biggest star.
Son’s exit, confirmed in early August, marks the end of an era for Tottenham. The player, the squad’s highest earner with a salary exceeding 11 million euros annually, leaves after over 400 games and 160 goals. The freeing of his wage bill creates financial room for a major signing, and Rodrygo, with his versatility and experience in elite competitions, is the chosen name to lead the attack.
Real Madrid, though reluctant, is open to negotiating the Brazilian, whose contract runs until 2028. The arrival of Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr.’s established role have reduced Rodrygo’s playing time, making his exit a real possibility. Tottenham, under Thomas Frank’s management, sees the player as the perfect fit for their rebuilding project.
Son’s departure and financial impact
Heung-min Son’s transfer to LAFC, as reported by The Athletic, is a turning point for Tottenham. The South Korean, who joined the club in 2015, was pivotal in historic campaigns, including the 2019 Champions League final. His exit, driven by a desire for new challenges, frees up significant resources, enabling the club to pursue top talents.
Tottenham, who finished the 2024/25 Premier League in 17th but won the Europa League, secured a spot in the 2025/26 Champions League. The board, led by Daniel Levy, aims to strengthen the squad to compete at the highest level. Son’s salary, estimated at 190,000 pounds per week, being freed up is crucial for enabling Rodrygo’s signing.
- Wage relief: Son’s exit cuts approximately 11 million euros annually from the payroll.
- American investment: A recent injection from a U.S. investor strengthens the club’s finances.
- Strategic planning: Signing Rodrygo aims to maintain competitiveness in Europe.
- Market competition: Liverpool and PSG are also monitoring the Brazilian, but Tottenham leads the talks.
Son’s departure, though felt deeply by fans, is seen as an opportunity to refresh the squad with young, dynamic players like Rodrygo.
Rodrygo as the ideal replacement
Rodrygo, 24, is Tottenham’s top target to fill the void left by Son. The Brazilian, known for his skill on the left wing—a position dominated by Vinicius Jr. at Real Madrid—has the technical profile that suits manager Thomas Frank. His versatility, able to play across the front line, and his experience in winning La Liga and the Champions League make him a strategic choice.
Real Madrid, per AS, is open to negotiating Rodrygo for around 90 million euros, a figure Tottenham considers feasible, especially with backing from a new investor. However, the Brazilian has not publicly expressed a desire to leave Madrid, and his decision will depend on talks with coach Xabi Alonso and assurances of a starring role at his next club.
- Technical fit: Rodrygo combines speed, dribbling, and finishing, ideal to replace Son.
- Internal competition: At Real Madrid, Mbappé and Vinicius Jr. limit his opportunities.
- Long contract: With a deal until 2028, Real Madrid holds leverage in negotiations.
- Rival interest: Liverpool and Arsenal have scouted the player but have stepped back for now.
Tottenham has already requested permission from Real Madrid to negotiate directly with Rodrygo’s team, signaling serious intent. Talks are expected to progress in the coming weeks before the transfer window closes.
Market competition
Rodrygo’s potential transfer faces challenges due to interest from other clubs. Liverpool, the current Premier League champions, see the Brazilian as a possible replacement for Luis Díaz, should the Colombian move to Bayern Munich. According to Teamtalk, the Reds have held preliminary talks, but Tottenham remains in pole position.
Arsenal, who inquired about Rodrygo earlier in 2025, have shifted focus to targets like Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyökeres, per Foot Mercato. PSG, while interested, has not prioritized the Brazilian, focusing on other squad areas. Rodrygo’s final decision will depend on his meeting with Xabi Alonso and the concrete offers that reach Real Madrid.
- Liverpool’s interest: The Reds may escalate their pursuit if Díaz departs.
- Arsenal’s step back: The Gunners are prioritizing other targets for the season.
- PSG’s stance: The French club is monitoring but not actively pursuing Rodrygo.
- Player’s choice: Rodrygo seeks guarantees of playing time and prominence.
The competition puts pressure on Tottenham to act swiftly. The club’s ability to offer an appealing sporting project, with guaranteed Champions League participation, could be a key advantage in negotiations.
Tottenham’s future with Rodrygo
Rodrygo’s arrival would mark a significant step in Tottenham’s rebuild. Under Thomas Frank, the club has invested around 150 million euros in signings like Mohammed Kudus, Mathys Tel, and Kevin Danso. Adding Rodrygo would strengthen the attack, forming a promising young trio alongside Kudus and Tel.
Tottenham’s strategy is clear: build a competitive squad for the Champions League, leveraging their Europa League title. Rodrygo, with his experience in top competitions, would be the centerpiece of this project, taking on the starring role left by Son.
- Young squad: Kudus, Tel, and Danso reflect a focus on emerging talents.
- Champions League: The competition is a major draw for attracting Rodrygo.
- Attacking overhaul: The Brazilian would bring dynamism and experience to the front line.
- Fan support: Supporters are eager for a high-profile replacement for Son.
The deal’s success hinges on the transfer fee and Rodrygo’s willingness to leave Real Madrid. Tottenham is working to present a compelling project, emphasizing the central role the Brazilian would play.
The post-Son era at Tottenham
Heung-min Son leaves Tottenham as one of its greatest modern icons. With over 160 goals in 400 games, the South Korean was a technical and leadership cornerstone. His move to LAFC, per ESPN, reflects his desire to explore new challenges in the MLS, but it also signals the need for a squad overhaul at Spurs.
Son’s exit paves the way for a new generation, with Rodrygo as a potential leader. Should the transfer materialize, the Brazilian will face the challenge of maintaining the team’s attacking prowess and winning over fans still mourning their captain. The transfer window, open until late August, will be crucial for Tottenham’s future.
- Son’s legacy: The South Korean leaves a technical and emotional void.
- Leadership transition: Rodrygo could take on a starring role in the attack.
- Fan expectations: Supporters await a worthy successor to their idol.
- Transfer window: Tottenham aims to finalize the deal before August ends.
Rodrygo’s potential signing signals the start of a new chapter for Tottenham, focused on youth, talent, and European competitiveness.