Spurs to make £52m offer for “world-class” talent, he’d be Frank’s very own Mbappe – opinion
Son Heung-min’s Exit Set to Leave Major Void at Tottenham – Rodrygo Tipped as the Ideal Replacement
The anticipated transfer of Son Heung-min to MLS side LAFC marks the end of an iconic era at Tottenham Hotspur, with the South Korean star preparing to bid farewell to North London after ten unforgettable years. Son’s departure will undoubtedly leave a significant void in Spurs’ attacking lineup, given his legendary contributions during his time at the club.
Having made over 450 appearances since arriving in 2015, Son has established himself as one of the greatest forwards to ever wear the Lilywhite shirt. His tally of 173 goals stands as a testament to his consistency and class, with 11 of those strikes coming in the 2024/25 campaign – a season that also saw him help Spurs lift their first piece of silverware in 17 years.
At 33, the timing may seem right for the forward to pursue a new challenge in the United States, but replacing a player of his quality, work ethic, and influence on and off the pitch is no easy task. The challenge now falls on new manager Thomas Frank and the club’s hierarchy, led by Daniel Levy, to identify a player capable of filling Son’s considerable boots in the final third.
With the summer transfer window in full swing, Spurs are well aware that reinforcements are urgently needed if they are to maintain their competitiveness in the Premier League under Frank’s new leadership. The club has already made moves behind the scenes, exploring several options to strengthen their attack and provide the new manager with a squad capable of fighting on multiple fronts.
Tottenham Eyeing Elite Reinforcements – El Khannouss and Rodrygo in the Frame
One of the names recently linked with a switch to North London is Leicester City playmaker Bilal El Khannouss. The Moroccan international, whose £22 million release clause was activated following Leicester’s relegation, has caught the eye of Spurs scouts. The 20-year-old registered six goal contributions last season and is seen as a technically gifted and creative midfielder with plenty of room to grow.
However, El Khannouss is not the only player on Spurs’ radar. Reports from Spanish outlet Cadena SER claim that Tottenham are preparing a significant €60 million (£52 million) offer for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo – a player who could be viewed as a direct successor to Son.
The Brazilian attacker, still only 24 years old, is reportedly open to a move to the Premier League this summer. With Real Madrid’s recent reshuffling following Kylian Mbappé’s arrival, Rodrygo has been told he is free to explore other opportunities ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Could Rodrygo Be Tottenham’s Answer to Kylian Mbappé?
While comparisons to Kylian Mbappé might seem bold at first glance, data and analysis suggest that Rodrygo’s performances in LaLiga last season warrant such praise. Mbappé, now at Real Madrid, built a reputation as one of the most lethal forwards in European football during his time at PSG, scoring 256 goals in 308 appearances. The Frenchman enjoyed a stellar debut season in Spain, netting 44 goals in 59 appearances in 2024/25.
But interestingly, according to data from FBref, Rodrygo actually outperformed Mbappé in several key metrics during the previous campaign. In terms of progressive passes and progressive carries per 90 minutes, the Brazilian held the edge, showcasing his ability to drive his team forward and break opposition lines. His vision and creativity were also on full display, as he completed more key passes and delivered a greater number of final third entries per 90 than his high-profile teammate.
Football analyst Ben Mattinson has described Rodrygo as “world-class,” and his style of play appears well-suited to the Premier League’s fast pace and physical demands. His technical skill, positional intelligence, and knack for creating opportunities could be precisely what Spurs need as they transition into a post-Son era.
A New-Look Attack for Spurs
If the move goes ahead, Rodrygo wouldn’t be alone in Tottenham’s new-look frontline. The club recently completed the signing of Mohammed Kudus – another dynamic, forward-thinking player – and pairing him with Rodrygo could provide Thomas Frank with a thrilling attacking duo. Rodrygo’s high pass completion rate and his accuracy from wide areas would complement Kudus’s direct, aggressive running and goal threat from midfield.
The Brazilian’s ability to influence the game from both flanks or through the middle makes him an ideal candidate to take on the creative and scoring responsibilities previously shouldered by Son. Though the reported £52 million fee may seem steep, Spurs would be acquiring a player entering his prime, already proven at the highest level, and eager to establish himself as a marquee name in England.
The Path Forward
As the summer transfer window progresses, Spurs fans will be watching closely to see how the club responds to Son’s departure. The need to invest wisely and decisively has never been greater, and securing a player of Rodrygo’s calibre would be a strong statement of intent from the North London outfit.
While the club is undergoing a period of transition both on and off the pitch, replacing one club legend with a potential future star could set the tone for a new era. If Rodrygo adapts quickly to the Premier League and hits the ground running, he could very well become the new face of Tottenham Hotspur’s attack – and perhaps lead them back to the top of English football.