Premier League Eyes Turn to Lee Kang-in Following Son Heung-min’s Exit

Lee Kang-in made a heartfelt gesture of respect to national team captain Son Heung-min, attending what was widely believed to be Son’s final match for Tottenham Hotspur at Seoul World Cup Stadium on 3 August. The 23-year-old Paris Saint-Germain midfielder, currently on holiday after participating in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, was spotted applauding from the stands as Son received a guard of honour during his second-half substitution against Newcastle United.

As Spurs and Newcastle players lined up to pay tribute to the South Korean legend, Lee stood and joined in with a standing ovation, acknowledging Son’s decade-long service to the North London club. The moment, captured by fans and media, reflected the deep bond and mutual respect between two of Korea’s biggest footballing icons.

Following the match, Lee visited the dressing room to personally greet Son. The pair were seen sharing warm words, with Son reportedly asking after Lee’s well-being and vacation. Their camaraderie was on display, highlighting a close friendship that transcends club allegiances and generations.

A History of Support and Shared Ambitions

This wasn’t the first time Lee Kang-in showed his support for Son. Back in December 2023, during the Ligue 1 winter break, Lee travelled to London to watch a Tottenham match in person, underscoring the admiration he holds for the national team skipper.

Now, both players are preparing for potentially defining chapters in their international careers. At an Adidas fan event held on 2 August, Lee reflected on his recent UEFA Champions League triumph with PSG, calling it a dream come true, before setting his sights firmly on winning the FIFA World Cup.

Son, having secured the UEFA Europa League title with Tottenham earlier this summer, made the bold decision to join Major League Soccer side LAFC. With the 2026 World Cup set to be held in the United States, Son's move is seen as a strategic step to prepare for what could be his international swansong. Korea has never progressed beyond the Round of 16 in a World Cup held outside Asia, but the current squad, led by Son and Lee, is aiming for an unprecedented quarter-final run.

The Road to the Asian Crown

Both players are also targeting continental success at the 2027 AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia. Korea, despite being the inaugural champions of the tournament in 1956 and retaining the title in 1960, have not lifted the trophy in over six decades. The closest they came in recent history was in 2015, when Son scored in the final but had to settle for a runner-up medal.

With time potentially running out on Son’s international career, he is said to be determined to end on a high, with the 2026 World Cup and the 2027 Asian Cup as his final two tournaments. Depending on his fitness and form, he is also reportedly considering a last challenge at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Lee Kang-in’s Meteoric Rise

As Son prepares to take his final bow on the international stage, Lee Kang-in is widely seen as the next great hope of Korean football. The playmaker burst onto the scene in 2019 by winning the Golden Ball at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, where he led Korea to the final – the first East Asian player to earn that honour.

Since then, his club career has been on a sharp upward trajectory. After debuting for Valencia and winning the Copa del Rey, he moved to RCD Mallorca before landing a high-profile transfer to PSG. In France, Lee has already won Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, the Trophée des Champions twice, and most recently, the Champions League.

He joined Park Ji-sung as only the second South Korean to win European football’s most prestigious club title. Unlike Son, Lee already secured his military exemption through an Asian Games gold medal, giving him the freedom to pursue a sustained European career.

European Giants Lining Up

With Son leaving the Premier League, European clubs are beginning to circle around Lee as a potential successor. Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe recently confirmed that Lee had been on their recruitment radar, though a move is not currently in progress. However, clubs such as Manchester United, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, Napoli, AC Milan, and long-time admirers Atlético Madrid are reportedly monitoring his situation.

As Korean football transitions from one generational icon to another, the baton appears to be in safe hands. Lee Kang-in’s admiration for Son Heung-min is a reflection of the legacy Son leaves behind – one that continues to inspire even at the highest level.

Paris Saint-Germain, for their part, have no intention of letting Lee leave for a cut-price deal. While a number of top European clubs have expressed interest in the 23-year-old, sources suggest that any potential move is currently regarded as a secondary option. These clubs are believed to be prioritising negotiations for other transfer targets or assessing their own outgoings before making a formal approach for Lee.

As of now, no official talks have been reported. However, with several weeks still remaining in the summer transfer window, a dramatic late move cannot be ruled out. Lee remains one of the continent’s most promising playmakers — and should the right opportunity arise, a high-profile switch could yet materialise before the deadline.