‘Daniel Levy gets it wrong again’ as Tottenham eye shock Son Heung-min replacement
Son Heung-min’s decision to depart Tottenham has sent shockwaves around the Premier League over the last few days.
The South Korean has been a huge influence for the Lilywhites over a decade-long spell, but he will now be moving on to a new challenge before the 2025/26 campaign gets underway.
Son’s Spurs departure could now be days away, as MLS side LAFC are growing ever closer to finalising a deal worth a fee of around £20million.
Real Madrid forward Rodrygo has emerged as a potential replacement for the departing star, but the N17 outfit have now found another, more surprising target.
Baris Alper Yilmaz could be a ‘more likely’ option for Spurs than Rodrygo
Tottenham have already placed a bid for Rodrygo, but there is plenty of doubt surrounding the Brazilian’s desire to move to North London.
The 24-year-old is unconvinced by the idea at the moment, as he is understood to view the move as a potential backwards step for his career.
- Spurs have placed a bid of around £87million for Rodrygo
- They have already asked for permission to speak to his representatives
- The Real Madrid star is unconvinced by the idea of moving to Tottenham
Spurs appear keen to try and convince the wideman to change his mind, but they have also turned their attention towards other possible replacements for their outgoing skipper.
Daniel Levy has already drawn up a shortlist of players who could potentially replace Son, and Galatasaray star Baris Alper Yilmaz is towards the top of that list, according to Fotospor (4 August).
The Turkish outlet understand that while Rodrygo is the primary target to step into Son’s shoes, Yilmaz has been identified as a backup target, who would not require the same level of financial commitment.
They also report that the 25-year-old is currently a “much more likely option” for Tottenham at the moment, given the current status of their pursuit of Rodrygo.
Levy’s next Tottenham shocker with Yilmaz deal
Son’s exit could have a seismic impact at Tottenham, given how important he has been to them over the years.
It is imperative that the Lilywhites secure a capable replacement who carries a big reputation within the game, in order to convince the fans that they will be able to cope without their key man.
| Stats | Yilmaz | Rodrygo | Son |
| Apps | 103 | 105 | 82 |
| Goals | 21 | 31 | 28 |
| Assists | 16 | 18 | 21 |
| G+A | 37 | 49 | 49 |
While Yilmaz has been in impressive form in the Super Lig over the last few seasons, he simply isn’t the calibre of player that would be viewed as a potential successor to Son.
If Spurs are unable to get Rodrygo to agree to a move to N17, it is vital that they move on to a target of a similar standing, rather than jump into what would be perceived as a cheap option by the fans.
Levy has arguably begun to repair his reputation at Tottenham through his backing this summer, but there can be no denying the fact that he would be getting it wrong again if he brings Yilmaz in as Son’s replacement.
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