After Palhinha: Spurs in talks for “world-class” £69m star, he’s the dream Son upgrade – opinion
Tottenham Eye Rodrygo as Heung-min Son’s Exit Nears, Following Europa League Triumph
Tottenham Hotspur’s dramatic 2024/25 season ended on a triumphant note, lifting the UEFA Europa League trophy and securing Champions League qualification in the process. For manager Ange Postecoglou, it was a season-saving victory that not only provided long-awaited silverware but also bought crucial time to further build his vision at Spurs.
Now, however, the next chapter in North London is already unfolding. With Postecoglou having laid the foundation, the torch appears to be passing to Brentford manager Thomas Frank. The Danish tactician has taken a more prominent role in Tottenham’s recruitment strategy this summer, and the club has already made major moves in the transfer market.
Among the first marquee arrivals is Mohammed Kudus, signed from West Ham United in a £55 million deal. Meanwhile, Joao Palhinha is on the verge of completing a transfer from Bayern Munich, bringing added steel to the midfield. Things are clearly starting to take shape at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
End of an Era: Son Departs After a Decade of Service
Yet amid the buzz of new arrivals, Spurs are preparing to say goodbye to a club legend. Heung-min Son, the beloved South Korean captain, has announced he will leave Tottenham this summer, with LAFC of Major League Soccer his likely destination.
Son, who arrived from Bayer Leverkusen for £22 million back in 2015, has been one of the Premier League’s standout wingers for nearly a decade. Across 454 appearances in all competitions, he scored 173 goals and assisted 101 more—numbers that place him among the club’s all-time greats. His final gift to the fans came with the Europa League triumph, ending Tottenham’s 17-year trophy drought in poetic fashion.
Despite his enduring quality, the 33-year-old has begun to slow down physically, and his decision to leave appears to be as much about timing as sentiment. Having spent over ten years at the top level in England, Son has earned the right to chart his own exit on his terms.
Tottenham Turning to Rodrygo as Potential Successor
With Son’s departure imminent, Tottenham are now actively seeking a player capable of replicating his attacking impact. Enter Rodrygo Goes, the Real Madrid winger who is reportedly edging closer to a move to North London.
According to reports from Spain, Spurs are increasingly confident of landing the 24-year-old Brazilian, despite interest from European heavyweights like Arsenal, Liverpool, and Paris Saint-Germain cooling in recent weeks. Daniel Levy is believed to be leading the negotiations, holding positive discussions with Rodrygo’s representatives.
Rodrygo’s situation in Madrid has changed, with increased competition for places and the continued dominance of Vinicius Junior pushing him out of his preferred left-wing role. Despite falling slightly out of favour, Rodrygo remains one of the most technically gifted young attackers in world football. Real Madrid are not willing to let him go cheaply, placing a price tag in the region of £69 million.
Why Rodrygo Makes Sense for Tottenham
While Rodrygo endured a somewhat underwhelming 2024/25 season—scoring just six league goals—his underlying numbers and versatility suggest there’s much more to come. In matches where he did play on the left wing, he produced an impressive six goals and six assists in just 12 games, highlighting his threat when fielded in his natural role.
Unlike Kudus, whose finishing has been criticized for lacking consistency and composure, Rodrygo has proven to be efficient in front of goal. Despite a limited run of starts, he missed just one clear-cut chance in La Liga last season, according to Sofascore, underscoring his clinical edge.
Rodrygo also brings Champions League pedigree, having already won the competition twice with Real Madrid and produced clutch performances on European nights. With Spurs back in the Champions League, signing a player with experience and quality at that level could be a game-changer.
Jude Bellingham, his teammate at Madrid, recently described him as “the most gifted and most talented player” at the club—a glowing endorsement that should excite Tottenham supporters. While Rodrygo has more often been used on the right in Spain, he is naturally a left-footed forward who excels when cutting inside from the left—just like Son.
Building the Next Chapter: Frank’s Role and Levy’s Ambition
Thomas Frank’s influence is starting to become more visible at Tottenham. With his history of nurturing talent and building tactically cohesive squads at Brentford, he could be the ideal figure to help Rodrygo find his best form in England.
Crucially, Frank and Levy must be aligned in their vision. If they are serious about replacing Son with a player of similar quality—and if they want to close the gap to the Premier League’s elite—then going all out for Rodrygo makes strategic sense. His youth, experience, technical ability, and proven track record make him a rare and valuable commodity.
With Dominic Solanke already leading the line and Kudus offering dynamism behind, Rodrygo could complete a revamped Tottenham attack. His arrival would not just fill the void left by Son—it would signal a bold new direction for the club.
Final Thoughts: A New Shade of White for Rodrygo?
Rodrygo is more than just a potential Son replacement—he is a player who could help define Tottenham’s next era. Still only 24, his best years are undoubtedly ahead of him, and with the right support, he could flourish in North London.
The Brazilian already boasts an impressive résumé, and joining Spurs would give him a central role—something he hasn’t always enjoyed in Madrid. It would also offer him the opportunity to grow into the kind of talismanic figure that Son was for so many years.
As Tottenham prepare to say goodbye to a modern legend, they may soon welcome a future superstar in return. If Levy can get this deal over the line, Spurs fans may not have to wait long to see their club return to the Premier League’s top tier—and stay there.