Tottenham Hotspur may soon face a turning point in their attacking lineup as questions begin to mount over Richarlison’s long-term future at the club. The Brazilian forward, once seen as a marquee signing, has struggled to live up to expectations since arriving from Everton for a staggering £60 million in 2022.
With inconsistent form, recurring injuries, and limited impact in key matches, his time in North London could soon come to an end especially with the emergence of a young South Korean talent who has already drawn comparisons to the legendary Son Heung-min.
Tottenham fans have seen several emotional farewells in recent years. The departure of Harry Kane to Bayern Munich in 2023 and Son Heung-min’s exit to LAFC in 2025 marked the end of two eras at the club. Kane left as Tottenham’s all-time leading goalscorer, while Son’s charisma, loyalty, and thrilling performances made him one of the most beloved figures in the club’s modern history.
Even in his final season with Spurs, Son managed 11 goals and 12 assists, underlining his consistency before moving to Major League Soccer, where he has since continued to impress.
Trying to replace Son’s creativity, energy, and leadership has been no easy task. Players like Wilson Odobert, Brennan Johnson, and Richarlison have all been given opportunities to fill that void, but none have consistently matched the South Korean’s output. Richarlison, in particular, has divided opinion among supporters.
Despite occasional flashes of brilliance, his inconsistency and lack of sharpness have often left fans frustrated. His recent goal against Manchester United did little to change the narrative, as many still believe his performances haven’t justified his price tag or wage.
Richarlison’s struggles have been well documented. During his first season in 2022/23, he scored just one goal in 27 Premier League appearances a disappointing return for a player expected to be a key figure in Tottenham’s attack.
The following season brought some improvement, with 11 goals, but he once again regressed in 2024/25, scoring only five across all competitions. Even this season, with four goals in 11 league matches, he continues to frustrate with missed chances and inconsistent displays. Injuries have also been a major setback, with the Brazilian missing over 370 days of action since joining the club.
While Richarlison’s time appears to be running out, Tottenham’s youth system offers hope for the future. Under the current project, the club has focused heavily on developing young talent capable of breaking into the first team.
Players such as Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray, and Wilson Odobert have already shown promise, while others like Mikey Moore and Mason Melia are being groomed for long-term success. However, one name currently generating buzz is 18-year-old South Korean winger Yang Min-hyeok.
Signed from Gangwon FC in the summer of 2024, Yang officially joined Tottenham upon turning 18 earlier this year. Before his move, South Korean football expert Jason Lee described him as “expected to be Korea’s next superstar like Son Heung-min.”
His rise in the K-League was impressive, as he recorded 12 goals and six assists in 38 matches for Gangwon, earning widespread praise for his technical ability, pace, and maturity.
Here’s a summary of Yang’s professional career so far:
| Club | Games | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gangwon FC | 38 | 12 | 6 |
| QPR (loan) | 14 | 2 | 1 |
| Portsmouth (loan) | 10 | 2 | 1 |
| Tottenham Hotspur | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Yang’s journey in Europe is still in its early stages, but signs of his potential are already evident. After a brief loan spell at QPR, he moved to Portsmouth for the 2025/26 season, where he has started to find his rhythm. His performances have drawn praise from scouts and analysts alike.
Football scout Jacek Kulig recently described him as “on fire” after his decisive goals against Watford and Middlesbrough. Similarly, journalist Albert Kim labeled him the “Korean Marco Reus,” emphasizing his ability to exploit space and punish defenders when given time on the ball a description that mirrors Son’s deadly style of play.
Though Yang still has much to learn before stepping into the Premier League spotlight, his combination of versatility, intelligence, and attacking instinct make him an exciting prospect.
Capable of playing on either wing or through the middle, he could naturally evolve into a replacement for Richarlison in the coming seasons.
Tottenham’s rebuild under Thomas Frank is centered around refreshing the squad with energy, creativity, and hunger qualities Yang embodies. While Richarlison’s future grows uncertain, Yang Min-hyeok represents a glimpse of the next generation: a young, dynamic attacker who not only carries the promise of goals but also the potential to rekindle the spark left behind by Son Heung-min.
If his current trajectory continues, it may not be long before Spurs fans see another South Korean star lighting up the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium one ready to write his own chapter in the club’s story.
