Spurs racing to sign “England’s best LW”, he’d be an incredible £59m Son replacement
As Tottenham Hotspur prepare for their most significant match of the season in Norway, the absence of club captain Son Heung-min looms large over their Europa League semi-final second leg against Bodo/Glimt.
The South Korean superstar’s failure to recover from a persistent foot injury highlights both Tottenham’s current predicament and their pressing need to identify his long-term replacement.
At 32 years old, Son’s declining output – just two goals in his last 15 Premier League appearances – signals the approaching end of an era for one of Tottenham’s greatest modern players.
The search for Son’s heir has led Tottenham’s recruitment team to Borussia Dortmund’s electrifying 20-year-old winger Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, a player whose burgeoning talent could make him the perfect candidate to eventually fill the void.
While names like Jonathan David and Rayan Cherki have surfaced as potential targets, Gittens represents the most natural stylistic successor to Tottenham’s iconic number 7.
Why Jamie Bynoe-Gittens Stands Out
| Gittens’ 2024/25 Season | |
|————————-|-|
| Appearances | 46 |
| Starts | 34 |
| Minutes Played | 2,738′ |
| Goals | 12 |
| Assists | 5 |
| Goal Involvements per Game | 0.36 |
| Minutes per Goal Involvement | 163.7′ |
The young Englishman’s breakthrough campaign at Dortmund has been nothing short of spectacular. His performances have drawn comparisons to a young Son, combining direct dribbling with improving end product.
Gittens’ fearlessness on big stages was exemplified by his goal against Real Madrid in the Champions League, demonstrating the mentality required to thrive at elite clubs.
Statistical analysis reveals why Tottenham consider him such a compelling prospect:
- Top 1% of wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for successful take-ons
- Top 2% for take-ons attempted
- Top 7% for carries into the penalty area
- Goal involvement every 163 minutes despite his youth
The Financial Equation
Dortmund’s initial €100 million (£85m) valuation has softened to a more palatable €70 million (£59m), though competition from Chelsea, Manchester City, Bayern Munich and potentially Liverpool could drive the price higher. For context:
| Potential Son Successors | Age | Club | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jamie Bynoe-Gittens | 20 | Dortmund | £59m |
| Jonathan David | 24 | Lille | £30m |
| Rayan Cherki | 20 | Lyon | £35m |
While David represents an intriguing bargain option given his contract situation, Gittens’ ceiling appears significantly higher. Research from The Athletic indicates wingers typically peak around age 26, suggesting the Dortmund starlet could have six years of development before reaching his prime.
Tactical Fit and Transition Plan
Gittens’ versatility to play across the front three would allow for a gradual transition rather than an immediate Son replacement. His ability to:
- Beat defenders one-on-one (4.3 successful dribbles per 90)
- Create chances from wide areas (1.8 key passes per 90)
- Contribute defensively (1.5 tackles per 90)
makes him an ideal fit for Postecoglou’s high-pressing system or any potential new manager’s philosophy. The presence of experienced forwards like Richarlison would help ease his adaptation to Premier League football.
As Tottenham’s hierarchy weighs their options this summer, the decision on Son’s successor could define their next decade.
In Gittens, they have identified a player who combines elite potential with the mentality to thrive under pressure – qualities that will be essential as Tottenham enter a new chapter, whether in the Europa League or Champions League next season.
The coming months will reveal whether they’re willing to pay the premium required to secure one of Europe’s most exciting young talents.