EXCLUSIVE: Tottenham vs Newcastle in Korea: Son’s Possible Farewell, Lee Kang-in & Kim Min-jae Transfer Buzz Fuel Explosive Summer Tour

Son, Lee, Kim in the Spotlight as Tottenham and Newcastle Head to Korea for Blockbuster Pre-Season Clash

2025-05-19     HAN, June
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 01: Dan Burn of Newcastle United battles for possession with Son Heung-Min of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at St James' Park on September 01, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

 

Tottenham Hotspur have officially confirmed their return to South Korea this summer as part of their pre-season tour of Asia, taking part in the 2025 Coupang Play Series. The Club’s announcement was accompanied by growing excitement, with multiple high-profile storylines expected to unfold in what could be one of the most dramatic summer visits yet.

Sources told Football-Asian.com, Tottenham are scheduled to face Premier League rivals Newcastle United at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the first weekend of August. While fixture and ticketing details are still to be finalised, sources indicate that Newcastle will arrive in Korea after their July 27th match against Arsenal in Singapore. The Magpies are also set to play against the K League All-Stars at Suwon World Cup Stadium shortly before clashing with Spurs.

PARIS, FRANCE - NOVEMBER 28: Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United tackles Kang-in Lee of Paris Saint-Germain during the UEFA Champions League match between Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United FC at Parc des Princes on November 28, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

 

This matchup comes at a time of heightened speculation and anticipation. Fresh off their Carabao Cup triumph and a return to the UEFA Champions League, Newcastle have placed Korean stars Lee Kang-in and Kim Min-jae on their summer transfer shortlist. Their visit to Korea has sparked local interest, especially given the timing of these transfer rumours.

But perhaps the biggest storyline of all? This could very well be the final time South Korean legend Son Heung-min dons a Tottenham shirt on home soil. With his contract situation unresolved and speculation swirling over a potential summer exit, insiders believe this pre-season fixture could serve as an emotional farewell for the national icon who has carried the hopes of Korean fans for over a decade.

Adding another layer of intrigue, 20-year-old Korean talent Yang Min-hyuk is expected to join Tottenham’s first team during the pre-season tour. The young winger will be assessed by the coaching staff to determine whether he remains with the squad or goes out on loan again for the 2025–26 season.

During their stay, Tottenham players and staff will engage with fans, support local causes, and celebrate Korean culture as part of the Club’s long-standing tradition. Global Principal Partner AIA and regional sponsor Alipay+—whose logo will appear on the back of the shirt—will be part of the Club’s wider mission to promote wellness and expand engagement across Asia.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 23: Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona battles for possession with Kim Min-Jae of Bayern Munich during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between FC Barcelona and FC Bayern Munchen at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on October 23, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)

 

In addition, Tottenham’s Global Football Development coaches will deliver elite technical training sessions and coach education programmes to support the development of local young players, further deepening ties with Korean football.

As anticipation builds, one thing is clear: this summer’s Coupang Play Series could be more than just a friendly—it might mark the end of an era.