The South Korean forward arrived at Spurs in the summer of 2015 from Bayer Leverkusen, somewhat of an unknown figure to many supporters in England at the time. However, it did not take long for Son to make his mark. Over the course of ten years in North London, he developed into one of the Premier League’s most consistent and dangerous attackers.

By the time he departed in 2025, Son had made more than 450 appearances for Tottenham, scoring 173 goals in all competitions. That tally placed him fourth on the club’s all-time goalscoring charts, an achievement that speaks volumes about his quality and longevity. Beyond the numbers, he was also a leader and an inspiration to those around him, both on and off the pitch.

Perhaps the crowning moment of his Tottenham career came last season when he captained Ange Postecoglou’s side to Europa League glory. Spurs defeated Manchester United 1-0 in the final, a victory that ended the club’s 17-year wait for silverware. For Son, it was a fitting farewell, as that triumph also turned out to be his final competitive appearance in a Spurs shirt.

This summer, Son completed a £20m move to MLS side LAFC, bringing the curtain down on his decade-long association with Tottenham. His departure has left new manager Thomas Frank facing an unenviable challenge: how do you replace a player who was not only a talisman on the field but also a beloved figure among supporters?

Spurs’ Search for a Successor

Finding a new left-sided attacker has quickly become a top priority for Tottenham in the transfer market. Early in the window, they explored the possibility of signing Brazilian star Rodrygo from Real Madrid. Talks were reportedly held with the Spanish giants, but Madrid’s asking price of £86m appears to be beyond Spurs’ current budget, forcing the club to look at alternative targets.

In recent days, RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons has emerged as a serious candidate. According to reports from German outlet BILD, Spurs have made initial enquiries regarding the Dutch international, who is coming off a strong campaign in the Bundesliga. Simons scored 11 goals last season and showcased the kind of versatility and technical ability that could make him an ideal replacement for Son.

However, Tottenham face stiff competition for his signature. Chelsea are said to be in advanced negotiations with the 22-year-old, with a potential £60m deal already on the table. That leaves Spurs needing to act swiftly if they are to hijack the move and bring the young star to North London instead of Stamford Bridge.

Why Simons Could Be Spurs’ “Next Son”

Replacing a player of Son’s stature is never straightforward. The South Korean was adored by fans for his work rate, humility, and most importantly, his knack for producing match-winning moments. Whether cutting inside from the left or drifting into central positions, Son had the ability to turn a game on its head in an instant. His wondergoal against Burnley in 2019, where he dribbled from deep inside his own half before finishing coolly, remains one of the most iconic goals in Premier League history.

Thomas Frank now needs to identify someone capable of not just filling Son’s position, but also providing the spark that keeps supporters on the edge of their seats. Xavi Simons could be that player. Like Son in 2015, Simons is still young and developing, but he already has the technical skillset and creative instincts to become a star.

At 22, he is a year younger than Son was when he joined Spurs from Bayer Leverkusen. He can operate both centrally and out wide, offering Frank the tactical flexibility that was a hallmark of Son’s game. Crucially, Simons also comes from the Bundesliga, a league where Spurs have historically recruited well, most notably with Son himself.

Statistically, Simons already compares favorably to Son’s early days. He registered more progressive passes per 90 minutes last season, showing his creativity and ability to advance the ball into dangerous areas. He also demonstrated a sharp eye for goal, boasting a higher goals-per-shot-on-target ratio than Son managed in his final campaign with Spurs. On top of that, his dribbling and ball-carrying ability allow him to break defensive lines with ease—another trait reminiscent of Son at his best.

Luka Modrić has even described Simons as “phenomenal,” highlighting the high regard in which he is held across Europe. If Spurs can complete a deal in the region of £60m, they would be securing not just a replacement for Son, but potentially a long-term star who could emulate, or even surpass, the South Korean’s impact in North London.

A Race Against Time

The challenge for Tottenham is that they are not alone in their pursuit. Chelsea’s strong interest and advanced negotiations place them in pole position, meaning Spurs would need to move quickly and decisively if they want to snatch Simons away. With the transfer window entering its final stretch, timing will be crucial.

For Thomas Frank, landing Simons could be the first major statement of his tenure at Tottenham. The Dutchman’s arrival would not erase the void left by Son overnight, but it would signal the beginning of a new chapter—one in which Spurs look to build around another exciting, versatile, and creative forward.

If Simons thrives in England as Son did, the £60m outlay could prove to be a bargain in the long run. For now, though, Spurs fans wait anxiously to see if their club can pull off what would be one of the boldest transfer moves of the summer.