Thomas Frank Shocks with Surprise Son Heung-min Revelation as LAFC Negotiations Heat Up

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has provided no signals suggesting he expects Son Heung-min to depart the club in the near future, despite persistent speculation linking him with LAFC this summer.

LAFC are reportedly advancing in negotiations to acquire Son, who took over the captain's armband from Hugo Lloris at Spurs in 2023. However, during Frank's recent appearance on the US-based Men in Blazers podcast, he discussed the situation as if the South Korean star would be staying, offering no hints that a move might be imminent.

"I believe above all else, Son's contribution here has been extraordinary. He has been an outstanding player for Tottenham, and continues to be an outstanding player for Tottenham," Frank commented.

"I envision a player who can fulfill an important function here in the upcoming season. He has returned [for pre-season training], displaying an excellent attitude, working intensively, and motivating his teammates. This excites me greatly."

Reports indicate that Tottenham will not obstruct Son's departure and the choice will rest entirely with him.

However, no conclusive announcement is anticipated before Spurs meet Newcastle United in a friendly match in Son's homeland of South Korea this Sunday. He represents a massive commercial asset and, beyond being a Tottenham icon, his involvement enables such ventures and enhances their profitability.

As Son stands as the most prominent figure in Asian football, Spurs have competed four times in South Korea during recent summers—twice in both 2022 and 2024—along with multiple other exhibition matches in China, Singapore and Japan, dating back to 2019.

Since arriving at Spurs in 2015, Son, currently 33, has netted 173 goals across 454 matches. He ranks fifth among the club's all-time leading scorers—the sole international player in the top 10—and sits seventh on the appearances chart, trailing Glenn Hoddle by a narrow margin.