Yang Min-hyeok's Tottenham loan exit criticised, even though he's nowhere near ready for first team

Westerlo is not the right destination for Tottenham youngster Yang Min-hyeok.

That is the verdict from Spurs expert John Wenham, who reacting to reports that the South Korean talent will join the Belgian side on loan.

The 20-year-old joined in 2025, with hopes that he could emulate Son Heung-min's impact in North London.

He was not ready to make an immediate contribution like his compatriot did when he linked up with the N17 side from Bayer Leverkusen.

After joining from Gangwon FC, Yang was sent on loans to QPR, Portsmouth and Coventry, where he had varying levels of success.

He now looks set to follow Alfie Devine and Luka Vuskovic's path and play for the Antwerp-based club.

What was the preferred destination for Yang Min-hyeok?

Wenham believes that while the move could be beneficial, he wanted the winger to stay in England.

Sacha Tavolieri claimed on Monday that the Spurs talent has already had a medical with the Pro League outfit after a full agreement was reached with Roberto De Zerbi's side.

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Wenham said: “I think it’s a great decision for Yang to head out on loan, based on what we have seen on pre-season.

“He does not look ready to contribute to a Tottenham side that will be looking to finish in the top five of the Premier League, he looks quite far off that level to be honest.

“I would have preferred he had another loan in English football, the loans at Queen's Park Rangers and Portsmouth went well, the loan at Coventry did not go so well.

“We have a good relationship with KVC Westerlo, having loaned Devine and Vuskovic to them a few years ago, so it is a continuation of that partnership.

“Hopefully, for Yang, he can continue his development because during his exposure in pre-season with Tottenham, he didn’t look ready to make any contribution as yet to the first-team.”

What is the blueprint for Tottenham after previous Westerlo loans?

Spurs already have the blueprint from what has happened with Vuskovic and Devine after their spells with Westerlo.

Both ultimately went on further loans, with Hamburg and Preston and were sold this summer for significant fees.

The former went for a potential £50million, £46m of that being the initial fee, while the latter brought in £6m.

The worst case if Yang does not prove himself good enough for the Lilywhites is a sale that brings in a decent amount of money.