An incredible Son replacement: Spurs in talks to sign "world-class" star
da luck： Tottenham Hotspur are in the midst of a transitionary period.
da leao： We might be nearing the end of Ange Postecoglou’s second season in charge of the North Londoners, but it would be disingenuous to suggest the squad is anywhere near where he’d like it to be.
Now, the Australian has been backed in the market thus far, with the likes of Micky van de Ven, Dominic Solanke, and Brennan Johnson all important first-teamers, but the reality is that to take the club to the next level, he needs even more attacking firepower.
Fortunately, recent reports suggest Daniel Levy and Co are trying to sort that out for him, although the player touted for a move to N17 could spell trouble for club captain Son Heung-min.
Spurs' attacking targets
They say the best defence is a good offence, and based on the reports we’ve seen in recent weeks, that seems to be something Spurs have taken to heart.
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For example, despite the North Londoners’ apparent problems at the back, they have been linked with a whole host of sensational forwards, such as former Everton flop and current Fiorentina star Moise Kean, who’s racked up a sensational haul of 24 goal involvements this term.
Closer to home, the Lilywhites are also said to be incredibly keen on Wolverhampton Wanderers and Premier League star Matheus Cunha, who has a release clause of £62.5m in his contract.
However, Levy and Co are not just trying to lure centre-forwards to the capital.
According to a recent report from journalist Graeme Bailey, they are incredibly interested in Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sané.
In fact, the report goes a step further, revealing that, alongside fierce rivals Arsenal, the Lilywhites have already held talks with the player’s camp, while Liverpool, Manchester United, Aston Villa and Newcastle United have also been approached.
While the level of competition is far from ideal, the good news is that, due to his £321k-per-week contract coming to an end this summer, he’ll be available on a free transfer.
It could be a complicated deal to get over the line, but given Sane’s immense ability and experience, it is worth pursuing, even if it could be bad news for Son’s game time.
How Sane compares to Son
Now, while Sane has an impressive ability to play on either wing, he’d likely get most of his game time off the left at Spurs, as that remains his primary position and with Postecoglou spending £47.5m on Brennan Johnson in his first summer at the club, we can’t see him taking him out of the first team already.
Moreover, with Mikey Moore still too young to start regularly, Mathys Tel potentially not staying, and Wilson Odobert being relatively unproven, there is a lack of competition for an ageing Son off the left.
With all that said, though, how do the pair stack up against one another? Well, when it comes down to their raw output from this season, it’s the Bayern ace who just about comes out ahead when broken down by goal involvements per minute of action.
Sane vs Son 24/25
Player
Sane
Son
Appearances
36
40
Starts
19
33
Minutes
1827′
2834′
Goals
11
11
Assists
4
12
Goal Involvements per Match
0.41
0.57
Minutes per Goal Involvements
121.8′
123.21′
All Stats via Transfermarkt
In 36 appearances, totalling just 1827 minutes, the “world-class” German, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has scored 11 goals and provided four assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.4 games, or more importantly, every 121.8 minutes.
In contrast, the South Korean superstar has scored 11 goals and provided 12 assists in 40 appearances, totalling 2834 minutes, which comes out to an average of one every 1.73 games, but crucially, only every 123.21 minutes.
What about their underlying number, then? Who comes out ahead when we take a look under the hood?
Well, once again, it is reasonably close, but in the majority of relevant metrics, it’s the former Manchester City ace who comes out on top, including, but not limited to, expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes received, passing accuracy, successful take-ons, shots and shots on target, aerial duels won and more, all per 90.
Sane vs Son
Players
Sane
Son
Non-Penalty Expected G+As
0.88
0.63
Non-Penalty G+As
0.95
0.73
Progressive Passes
3.09
4.61
Progressive Passes Received
14.3
11.3
Progressive Carries
3.60
3.93
Shots
3.45
2.42
Shots on Target
1.32
1.11
Passing Accuracy
82.4%
79.2%
Key Passes
1.91
2.38
Live Passes
47.2
37.0
Shot-Creating Actions
4.18
5.28
Successful Take-Ons
1.91
1.36
Carries
42.4
32.9
Carries into the Final Third
2.43
2.09
Ball Recoveries
4.71
3.64
Aerial Duels Won
0.44
0.29
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season
Ultimately, Son is a Spurs and Premier League icon, but he’ll be 33 years old at the start of next season, so Postecoglou will need a more dynamic winger to rely on, and it looks like Sane could be the perfect option.
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