Mansion Sports - After a decade of unwavering commitment and extraordinary achievement, Son Heung-min has officially brought his illustrious career at Tottenham Hotspur to a close. 

The South Korean forward departs as a true club legend, having left a lasting legacy not only through his goal-scoring record but also through the emotional connection and loyalty he demonstrated during his time in North London.

Son scored an impressive 173 goals for Tottenham, making him the club’s fifth all-time leading scorer, and his 127 Premier League goals place him among the top 20 scorers in league history.

His farewell was made even more memorable by Tottenham’s UEFA Europa League final victory in Bilbao—a fitting send-off that marked the end of an era for both the player and the club.

As the dust settles on Son’s departure, the focus has now shifted to how Tottenham will navigate this new chapter. 

While the club has already made Mathys Tel’s move from Bayern Munich permanent earlier this summer, Son’s exit is likely to prompt further activity in the transfer market as Spurs look to bolster their attacking options.

The Daunting Task of Replacing the Irreplaceable

Finding a direct replacement for Son Heung-min is an unenviable challenge. He was not only a prolific forward but also an emotional figure whose presence resonated deeply with fans and teammates alike. 

The current transfer market offers few, if any, players who can replicate both the technical output and intangible qualities that Son brought to the squad.

Nevertheless, Tottenham do have several forward options under consideration, each bringing their own unique attributes to the table and potentially capable of filling the void left behind.

Also Read: “LAFC on the Verge of Signing Son Heung-min from Tottenham Hotspur”

Randal Kolo Muani: A Versatile Forward with High Upside

French forward Randal Kolo Muani was linked with a move to Tottenham in January but ultimately chose to spend the remainder of the 2025–26 season with Juventus. His brief spell in Serie A proved fruitful, as he registered eight goals in just 16 appearances.

However, Juventus have yet to reach a permanent agreement with Paris Saint-Germain, Kolo Muani’s parent club, which values the player at approximately €60 million (£52.2 million).

Reports suggest that PSG would be open to a loan deal with an obligation to buy—potentially opening the door for Tottenham to re-enter the race.

Despite the player’s preference to remain in Turin, the uncertainty surrounding his future may provide Spurs with a window of opportunity. 

Some outlets have reported that Tottenham have already reignited their interest in the 26-year-old, whose adaptable playing style could fit well within Thomas Frank’s system—known for nurturing versatile attacking talents.

Iliman Ndiaye: A Multifaceted Solution for Attacking Depth

Tottenham's attacking concerns extend beyond Son’s departure. Midfielder James Maddison is expected to be sidelined for an extended period due to a serious knee injury, while winger Dejan Kulusevski is also unavailable. The need for a creative force in midfield and wide areas has therefore become urgent.

In this context, Iliman Ndiaye of Everton emerges as a compelling option. While not a direct replacement for either Son or Maddison, Ndiaye offers a high degree of tactical flexibility that could prove valuable in Thomas Frank’s fluid setup. 

The Senegal international recorded nine Premier League goals last season and impressed during preseason matches.

Renowned for his dribbling prowess, defensive work rate, and positional intelligence, Ndiaye could be a smart acquisition before interest from other top European clubs intensifies. Tottenham would be wise to act swiftly to avoid a bidding war that could inflate his market value.

Rodrygo: A Statement Signing from Real Madrid

If Tottenham are looking to make a bold declaration in the transfer market, Rodrygo of Real Madrid represents a marquee name worth considering. 

The Brazilian international is reportedly expected to leave the Spanish capital this summer following a subdued performance at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Though Arsenal and Liverpool have emerged as frontrunners, Spurs have only been tentatively linked with the 24-year-old. 

Historically, Tottenham have not pursued many global superstars, making such a move unlikely—but not impossible.

With reports suggesting that Spurs are prepared to spend up to £60 million on Morgan Gibbs-White, the club’s financial capabilities should not be underestimated.

Still, Real Madrid's initial valuation of €90 million (£78.6 million), coupled with Rodrygo’s high salary demands, could prove prohibitive.

Furthermore, the player may favor a move to a club with more consistent involvement in elite European competitions. 

Nevertheless, should Spurs wish to break from tradition and elevate their attacking ambitions, Rodrygo would certainly make headlines.

Rafael Leão: A Long-Term Solution and Potential New Icon

Another player worthy of Tottenham’s attention is Rafael Leão. The Portuguese winger played a key role in AC Milan’s 2021–22 Serie A title-winning campaign, earning the league’s Most Valuable Player award. However, his form has since been marked by inconsistency, despite glimpses of elite potential.

Leão’s situation at Milan appears to have improved under new head coach Massimiliano Allegri, with the 26-year-old stating that “everything has changed” under his new manager. 

While his long-term contract and apparent contentment in Milan may limit speculation, the Rossoneri would likely demand a substantial fee should they entertain offers.

From a stylistic standpoint, Leão possesses the pace, physicality, and explosiveness in transition that align well with Premier League demands. 

If Spurs are searching for a player capable of becoming the face of the Thomas Frank era, Leão is a worthy candidate. He could offer both immediate impact and long-term upside.

Conclusion: A Formidable Challenge in the Post-Son Era

Tottenham Hotspur now face the formidable task of rebuilding in the absence of Son Heung-min, a player who served as the heart and soul of the club for ten years. His departure marks a turning point that brings both tactical and emotional challenges.

However, with a clear strategy and willingness to invest in world-class talent, the club can reshape its attacking identity and embark on a promising new chapter under Thomas Frank.

The transfer options on the table reflect not only an opportunity to replace Son’s contributions but also to elevate the squad's overall competitiveness.

Ultimately, time and decisiveness will be crucial as Spurs seek to respond to the departure of one of the greatest players in their history with ambition and intent.