Daniel Levy looking at Son Heung-min
(Credit: Imago)
Alex Charlton
Wed 20 August 2025 17:40, UK
Tottenham have begun life without Son Heung-min in positive fashion under new manager Thomas Frank in the Premier League.
Son enjoyed a decade with the Lilywhites and was responsible for some of their best moments in recent years.
However, Spurs sold Son to LAFC this summer in a transfer that makes sense with all things considered.
While the move could hurt Daniel Levy financially now, there is reason to be optimistic for the future.
Son Heung-min in Tottenham training gear
Son enjoyed a final pre-season with the Lilywhites (Credit: Imago)
This article includes exclusive comments from Dr Dan Plumley.
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Tottenham to lose immediate ground after Son Heung-min sale
Son’s impact at Tottenham is obvious after Spurs shirts filled the stands in the forward’s latest MLS show.
Indeed, only Lionel Messi is ahead of Son in all-time MLS jersey sales after a team switch to the United States.
Now, football finance expert Dan Plumley – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – has provided insight into the finances of the deal.
“Of course, players come and go, and he’s had a brilliant career at Spurs, and they have maximised him as a brand asset as well; it’s pretty clear to see that,” he said.
“Obviously, you look naturally in the immediate term, it will lose them a little bit of ground in that market, for sure.
“We know a lot of those fans around the world follow players nowadays more so than they follow clubs, so it gives you a bit of a short-term hit to manage, but everything comes to an end, doesn’t it? And no player is ultimately irreplaceable in that regard.
Son has a huge following in South Korea
He had one year remaining on his contract before he left
Tottenham will lose commercial revenue from the forward
“So it’ll be looking at the next player that comes through and how you leverage that, and that doesn’t have to be, in South Asia, that can be all around the world.
“Yes, it’ll be a blow in the short term, but in time, Spurs will leverage their other players, the show goes on kind of thing.
“It’s brutal and it’s relentless, but that’s the nature of professional football.”
Read more: Son Heung-min shares what he already prefers about playing for LAFC compared to Tottenham
Daniel Levy smiles at Tottenham
Levy reaped the financial rewards of Son in North London (Credit: Imago)
How much could Spurs lose from Son departure?
Tottenham made around £20million in terms of an initial fee for the South Korean international.
Son was on approximately £190,000 a week in North London and was their highest earner before securing a switch.
However, his immense popularity in his homeland generated significant commercial income, estimated at £40–60m annually from merchandise, sponsorship, ticket sales, and media exposure.
Over time, it seems that the Lilywhites will lose money from Son, but in time, they can find the ideal replacement.
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