Signed by Ange, now worth way more than Son: Spurs hit the jackpot on incredible ace
In recent years, Tottenham Hotspur has demonstrated significant competence in the transfer window, refining their player acquisition strategy to build a competitive squad. While the £60m signing of Richarlison raised eyebrows, his contributions have proven valuable, with 12 goals and four assists in 31 games last season.
Despite the high-profile departure of Harry Kane, Tottenham remains an exciting team to watch, bolstered by new signings such as Micky van de Ven, Pedro Porro, and Brennan Johnson. The leadership of manager Ange Postecoglou and the stellar performance of captain Son Heung-min have certainly helped the club maintain competitiveness.
However, a shift in player valuations has occurred, and one of Postecoglou’s signings is now worth significantly more than the legendary Son Heung-min.
Tottenham’s acquisition of Heung-min Son from Bayer Leverkusen for £22m in 2015 was an outstanding piece of business. Over the years, Son has become one of the most talented attackers in European football and a Premier League icon. His ability to consistently contribute to Tottenham’s offense has been phenomenal.
Son’s Spurs Career Statistics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 411 |
| Goals | 164 |
| Assists | 84 |
| Goal Involvements per Match | 0.60 |
(Stats via Transfermarkt)
Since joining Spurs, Son has averaged a goal involvement every 1.65 games, an impressive feat that demonstrates his world-class ability. Beyond his goal-scoring prowess, Son has become a key leader within the squad, especially after Kane’s departure. His role as captain highlights his importance both on and off the pitch.
However, as Son reaches the age of 32, his market valuation has started to decline. According to Transfermarkt, Son is currently valued at €45m, which converts to about £38m. While still a significant figure, this valuation is now lower than one of Tottenham’s recent signings, James Maddison.
James Maddison, a £40m signing from Leicester City in the summer of 2023, has quickly seen his market value rise. Within just a year, his valuation has jumped to €70m (approximately £59m), making him £21m more valuable than Son according to the same Transfermarkt data.
Despite facing injuries, Maddison made 30 appearances last season, contributing four goals and nine assists. While these numbers may not appear extraordinary at first glance, they represent a solid average of a goal involvement every 2.30 games. In the prior season, Maddison managed 19 goal involvements (10 goals, 9 assists) in 32 games for Leicester City, demonstrating his ability to perform consistently at a high level.
Maddison’s Recent Seasons Performance
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Goal Involvements per Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22/23 | 32 | 10 | 9 | 0.59 |
| 23/24 | 30 | 4 | 9 | 0.43 |
| 24/25 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0.66 |
(Stats via Transfermarkt)
Maddison’s output, combined with his playmaking abilities and consistent contributions in crucial moments, further elevates his status. At 27 years old, Maddison is in his prime and expected to perform at a high level for several more seasons. This, along with his versatile attacking play, explains why his valuation has surpassed Son’s.
One of the key factors driving Maddison’s higher valuation is his age. At 27, he is in the peak years of his career, whereas Son, at 32, is beginning to approach the later stages of his playing days. While Son continues to perform at a high level, his advancing age naturally results in a declining market value.
The football market places a premium on younger players with several years left at the top level, making Maddison’s valuation understandable. He is not only contributing to Tottenham’s current success but also represents a significant long-term asset for the club.
Tottenham Hotspur is fortunate to have both Heung-min Son and James Maddison in their squad. While Son brings experience, leadership, and a proven track record, Maddison adds youthful energy and playmaking flair. Together, they offer a balance of experience and potential, making Tottenham a well-rounded team.
Spurs’ ability to blend seasoned veterans like Son with talented players like Maddison demonstrates their strategic approach to building a competitive squad. As Maddison’s influence grows, Tottenham can continue to rely on his contributions while Son remains a key figure both on and off the field.