Frank’s answer to Bale: Spurs make “generational” £70m ace their top target
In 1982, the iconic London punk band The Clash asked, “Should I Stay or Should I Go?” More than four decades later, a different London icon—on the opposite side of the city—is likely pondering the same question.
Should Son Heung-min stay or move on?
The Tottenham Hotspur captain, who turns 33 next week, has spent the past decade with the North London club.
In that time, he’s led Spurs to their first trophy in 17 years and their first European title in over four decades. With 127 Premier League goals and 77 assists, he’s also forged the most prolific partnership in league history alongside former teammate Harry Kane.
Put simply, Son has more than earned the right to decide his next move.
While he’s still under contract for another year, new Spurs manager Thomas Frank is reportedly open to letting Son leave—if that’s what he wants.
It’s no easy decision for the South Korean star, who has shown extraordinary loyalty to Tottenham, even during periods when the club’s form didn’t match his elite talent.
Son has often seemed like the embodiment of “bleeding lilywhite,” more than any player in recent memory.
But now, with a long-awaited trophy finally in hand—and perhaps relishing the chance to remind Kane of that fact—Son is rumored to be more open to exploring his options.
He’s expected to meet with Frank in the coming days to discuss his role moving forward, with clarity on his playing time likely to influence his decision.
If he does choose to leave, suitors won’t be in short supply. While a Premier League move seems unlikely—though not impossible—clubs in Major League Soccer and the Saudi Pro League are reportedly interested.
A return to Germany, where his career began, could also be on the cards. And former manager José Mourinho, now at Turkish club Fenerbahce, is believed to have already made an offer.
Son’s rumored transfer fee stands at £40 million ($55 million), though such figures are often speculative. Regardless, it’s a significant sum—far more than the club would receive if he sees out the final year of his contract and departs for free. That reality could make a summer exit a win-win for both sides.
In London, bookmakers currently favor a move to Saudi Arabia, followed by Fenerbahce, MLS, and the Bundesliga.
Whatever Son decides, an announcement is unlikely before early August. Spurs play a preseason match in Seoul on August 3, and unless Son makes an appearance, the club could face a penalty of 3.7 billion won ($2.7 million). That fixture may turn out to be a farewell in front of his home crowd.
As for Spurs, Thomas Frank is facing a big challenge in reshaping the squad, particularly in attack.
Ivan Toney left for Saudi Arabia last summer in a lucrative deal, and Bryan Mbeumo seems set to follow, with a £70 million move to Manchester United reportedly nearing completion.
Frank had hoped to bring Mbeumo to North London, but the winger chose to join Ruben Amorim’s squad instead.
Now, the new Spurs boss is actively seeking a new marquee forward, with several targets already on the radar.
One of the club’s key pursuits this window was Antoine Semenyo, but hopes of landing the Bournemouth forward were dashed when he signed a new five-year deal, keeping him at the Vitality Stadium until 2030.
Attention has now shifted to West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus. According to CaughtOffside, Kudus has emerged as Spurs’ top transfer target this summer.
Despite his £85 million release clause, the Spurs hierarchy is reportedly ready to back Frank’s bid and may negotiate a fee closer to £70 million.
Kudus could be Frank’s answer to Gareth Bale—a player who lit up North London with moments of brilliance.
Bale, who arrived from Southampton in 2007 as a left-back, evolved into one of Europe’s most feared attackers before his record-breaking move to Real Madrid in 2013.
In a similar vein, Kudus possesses traits reminiscent of Bale, particularly his ability to cut inside on his stronger left foot and unleash powerful shots.
The Ghanaian has posted impressive 2024/25 stats, with five goals and four assists across all competitions.
Labelled “generational” by journalist Gary Al-Smith, Kudus averaged 3.2 successful take-ons and 1.5 carries into the opposition box per 90 minutes last season. He also placed 28% of his shots on target and drew 2.2 fouls per 90, highlighting his threat in the final third.
At just 24 years old, Kudus still has room to grow. If Spurs can seal the deal, it would be a major coup—one that could see Frank develop his own attacking talisman for the 2025/26 campaign.
And if Kudus comes anywhere close to the heights Bale once reached, this could be one of the most exciting signings in recent club history.
