Yang Min-hyuk, the highly-rated South Korean winger, has spoken openly about the conversations he’s had with Tottenham’s star player, Heung-min Son, as he prepares to make the move to North London. With just a few weeks remaining until his arrival at Spurs, the 18-year-old is already brimming with excitement about the challenges he will face as he takes the next big step in his football career. His eagerness is tempered, however, by a clear understanding of the difficulty of the journey ahead.
Having completed his debut season in the K-League with Gangwon FC, where he netted an impressive 12 goals and registered 6 assists, Yang is stepping up from a successful domestic campaign into one of the most competitive leagues in the world. With the K-League season now over, Yang has some time to rest before flying to London in mid-December, where he will link up with his new teammates at Tottenham Hotspur.
Although he enters the Premier League with confidence, the young forward is well aware of the learning curve that awaits him. The level of competition in England’s top-flight will be unlike anything he’s experienced before, and he’s prepared for the tough road that lies ahead. But Yang is no stranger to hard work and is determined to rise to the challenge.
In particular, Yang has expressed a deep desire to emulate the success of Son Heung-min, Tottenham’s beloved South Korean forward. The two players have shared several conversations about life at Spurs, with Son offering insights into the demanding nature of the Premier League. Yang has revealed that Son was candid about the difficulties of adapting to life in England, especially in a new footballing environment. These discussions have helped Yang set his expectations, and he fully understands the importance of patience, both in terms of adjusting to the culture and getting up to speed with the team.
Yang is also focused on improving his language skills, as he knows that mastering English will be crucial for his integration both on and off the pitch. Despite having a strong foundation in Korean, the young winger has been taking English lessons and is committed to learning the language, even if he still faces some limitations. In a recent interview, Yang shared his desire to follow in Son’s footsteps: “I want to be like Son Heung-min at Tottenham. I especially want to emulate his shooting and finishing skills. I’m studying English as well, though it’s challenging, but I plan to keep improving and learning through experience.”
The teenager’s aspirations are clear—he wants to adapt quickly to life at Tottenham, get familiar with the team’s style of play, and earn a place on the pitch as soon as possible. However, the transition to a new culture, coupled with the fast-paced, physically demanding nature of the Premier League, means that Yang will need to take his time. His desire to make an immediate impact may not be realistic in the short term, as the coaching staff will likely ease him into first-team action.
Yang’s case isn’t unique. Lucas Bergvall, a fellow newcomer at Spurs, has faced similar challenges during his early months at the club. Just like Bergvall, Yang will need to adjust not only to the higher standards of football but also to the lifestyle changes that come with living in a new country. It’s a journey of growth that will take time.
While Tottenham fans are eager to see their new recruit shine, it’s important to keep expectations in check. Yang’s development will be a gradual process, and the club will likely give him time to settle in, allowing him to grow into the player they believe he can become. With his drive, ambition, and respect for the challenges ahead, Yang Min-hyuk could well be one of the next big stars at Tottenham Hotspur, but it will take time, dedication, and patience.