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Son Heung-min Named Top Signing in Premier League History

The LA FC star reflects on his time at Tottenham and a memorable Champions League moment

Category: Sports

Son Heung-min has been named the greatest signing in Premier League history by British media, highlighting his remarkable impact during his tenure at Tottenham Hotspur.

Why it matters: Son's recognition as the top signing emphasizes his extraordinary contributions to Tottenham and the Premier League since joining in 2015.

  • British outlet TeamTalk ranked Son first in its list of Tottenham's greatest signings since the Premier League's inception in 1992.
  • Son joined Tottenham from Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the summer of 2015 for £22 million (approximately $28 million).
  • During his time at Tottenham, Son recorded 454 appearances, scoring 173 goals and providing 101 assists, making him the club's second all-time leading scorer in Premier League history.

Driving the news: This recognition comes as Son reflects on his past achievements, particularly a standout moment in the 2018-19 UEFA Champions League.

  • On September 30, Son revealed that his most cherished moment at Tottenham was the second leg of the semi-final against Ajax, where he played a key role in a dramatic comeback.
  • In that match, Tottenham overcame a 0-2 halftime deficit, thanks to Lucas Moura's hat trick, securing a place in the final—a game fans dubbed the "Miracle of Amsterdam."
  • "I didn't think about needing to score three goals. In the locker room at halftime, we promised each other not to give up and to do our best," Son said.

State of play: Since leaving Tottenham for LA FC in the summer of 2025, Son has continued to demonstrate his prowess on the field.

  • At LA FC, he has made 49 appearances, netting 20 goals and providing 20 assists, proving he remains a top-tier player.
  • In the 2024-25 season, he captained Tottenham to victory in the UEFA Europa League, delivering the club's first major trophy in 17 years.
  • Tottenham, meanwhile, is struggling in the current Premier League season, sitting at the bottom of the table with 2 draws and 3 losses.

The big picture: Son's departure has left a noticeable void at Tottenham, which has struggled to find a replacement for his unique skill set.

  • Since Son's exit, Tottenham's left flank has been significantly less effective, highlighting how much they miss his contributions.
  • The team has seen a decline in performance, failing to secure a win in their first five matches of the season.
  • In stark comparison, Son's form in the MLS has been impressive, reinforcing his status as a leading player.

What they're saying: Reactions to Son's recognition and reflections have been overwhelmingly positive.

  • TeamTalk noted that Son is undoubtedly the most beloved player in North London and emphasized how much Tottenham misses his impact since his departure.
  • "His absence has made it clear how much the club relied on his talent and leadership on the pitch," the article stated.
  • Fans and analysts alike have echoed these sentiments, recognizing Son as a true club legend.

By the numbers: Son's statistics during his time at Tottenham are remarkable.

  • 454 games played, 173 goals scored, and 101 assists provided make him one of the most productive players in club history.
  • His 173 goals rank him second in Tottenham's all-time Premier League scoring list.
  • During the 2024-25 season, he led Tottenham to a UEFA Europa League title, marking a historic achievement for the club.

Between the lines: Son's legacy at Tottenham is cemented not just by his numbers but also by memorable moments.

  • The "Miracle of Amsterdam" remains a highlight of his career, illustrating his ability to perform under pressure.
  • His leadership qualities were evident as he captained the team to a long-awaited trophy, revitalizing the club’s spirit.
  • As Tottenham seeks to rebuild, Son's successful transition to LA FC serves as a reminder of the talent they once had.

What's next: Looking ahead, both Son and Tottenham face different challenges.

  • Son will aim to continue his impressive form in the MLS as LA FC seeks more silverware.
  • Tottenham must regroup and find a way to climb out of the relegation zone in the Premier League.
  • The club's management is under pressure to identify effective replacements for key players like Son, who have left a lasting impact.