Tottenham Hotspur are actively pursuing Real Madrid’s Brazilian winger Rodrygo Goes as their primary target to replace Son Heung-min, who recently announced his departure to join Major League Soccer this summer. This potential transfer represents a significant move for Spurs as they prepare to reshape their attacking lineup for the upcoming Premier League season.
Son Heung-min’s Departure and Spurs’ Challenge
Son Heung-min has been a crucial player for Tottenham, delivering consistent goals and creative play from the left wing. His departure leaves a notable gap in Spurs’ frontline, both in terms of talent and leadership, and the club must find a suitable replacement to maintain their competitiveness. Rodrygo, at 24 years old, is considered an ideal candidate due to his technical ability, speed, and versatility, fitting well into manager Thomas Frank’s tactical plans.
Rodrygo’s Situation at Real Madrid
At Real Madrid, Rodrygo has struggled to secure a regular starting position amid fierce competition from world-class players like Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Jude Bellingham. Despite significant playing time last season, he has been limited largely to substitute appearances or rotations, especially on the left wing — his preferred spot. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, Rodrygo is reportedly seeking more consistent minutes to strengthen his international prospects.
Transfer Negotiations and Financial Aspects
Tottenham has made initial inquiries with Real Madrid to obtain permission to formally negotiate with Rodrygo, signaling strong intent. The estimated transfer fee is around €90 million, a substantial figure Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy aims to negotiate down. Financially, Spurs may be able to manage the acquisition due to the wage savings from Son’s departure — who earned about €11 million annually — while Rodrygo’s expected wage is around €10 million per year.
Potential Challenges and Competition
Convincing Rodrygo to join Tottenham may prove difficult. While Spurs are emerging as frontrunners after interest from other Premier League clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool has cooled, the Brazilian player is reportedly inclined towards clubs with a higher profile and greater chances at trophies. Liverpool was once favored by Rodrygo, but recent shifts in their transfer priorities could leave Spurs in a strong position.
There are also reports that Rodrygo initially hesitated about joining Tottenham. To secure his signature, Spurs may need to present an ambitious project where Rodrygo can become a central figure in a team that is rebuilding its squad and ambitions — a narrative supported by the club’s recent new investment and squad refresh.
Implications for Tottenham
Should the transfer be completed, it would mark a strong statement by Tottenham about their ambition to stay competitive in the Premier League. Rodrygo’s versatility, pace, and skill set would provide Spurs with a significant attacking upgrade and feed their drive to compete at the highest level. His presence could help fill the creative and goal-scoring gap left by Son’s exit and potentially establish him as a future star for the club.
Conclusion
Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Rodrygo Goes as a replacement for Son Heung-min is a strategic effort to maintain and enhance their attacking capabilities. Despite facing challenges such as the high transfer fee and Rodrygo’s personal preferences, Spurs are determined to secure the Brazilian’s services, reflecting their broader ambition to strengthen the squad ahead of the new season.