Son’s Exit Sparks New Spurs Era, and a Big Bet on Kudus and Palhinha

It’s official: Son Heung‑min has left Tottenham. After ten seasons, hundreds of goals, and one emotional farewell, he’s on his way to LAFC. The move closes the chapter on a player who became a club legend without ever making a fuss about it. Son was more than a reliable goal scorer. He was the heartbeat of the squad through some of its biggest highs and lows in recent memory. Replacing him won’t be simple. The club knows that, and the signings of Mohammed Kudus and João Palhinha suggest this isn’t just a case of like-for-like. It’s a reset.

Kudus and Palhinha step in

Kudus arrives from West Ham with a sharp turn of pace and plenty of confidence on the ball. He’s the kind of player who always wants to be involved, always wants to drive forward. Spurs fans will remember his goal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last season, one of the few highlights for West Ham in that match. If he can settle quickly, he’s got the potential to take on some of the creative burden Son leaves behind. He may not have the same finishing touch just yet, but he brings movement, flair, and an edge the squad has needed. Palhinha, on the other hand, offers something completely different. His time at Fulham showed he’s more than just a tough tackler. He reads the game well, intercepts with purpose, and rarely looks rushed

Bookmakers have adjusted accordingly. Some sites have odds for the Super Cup against PSG on Wednesday, 13th August 2025. PSG are favourites to win at 1.5, with a win for Tottenham coming in around 6.0, and the draw after normal time is at 4.5. When it comes to sports betting, some fans look to betting sites with fast withdrawal, which offer a variety of payment methods, including Skrill, PayPal, crypto, and more. These sites ensure sports punters get their winnings as quickly as possible, a good bet for Spurs fans.

A hard goodbye

Son’s departure felt inevitable, but that didn’t make it any easier. He meant something to the fans, not just as a player, but as someone who genuinely seemed to care about the club. There was never any drama. No public falling out. Just goals, assists, and effort. The standing ovation during the Seoul pre-season tour said everything. Players like that don’t come around often.

His exit creates a noticeable gap, both in terms of leadership and production. Kudus might eventually be the one to step into that space, but he’ll do it in his way. Palhinha, meanwhile, isn’t there to replace anyone in particular. He’s filling a role that’s been missing, a proper defensive midfielder who enjoys doing the dirty work. That sort of presence makes life easier for the rest of the team, especially in Europe.

A busy transfer window isn’t done yet

James Maddison’s injury has forced Tottenham’s hand. Without him, the team has looked short on creativity through the middle. Rumours around Harvey Elliott have picked up again, and Jack Grealish has been linked in recent weeks. There’s also talk of a possible return bid for Eberechi Eze. None of these will come cheap, and Grealish in particular would require serious negotiation. Even so, it’s clear the club is working to get one more deal over the line before the window shuts.

That extra option could be the difference between competing for a top-four finish and just hovering near it. Maddison’s absence is a big one, and although Bissouma and Bentancur are both technically gifted, neither plays the same role. The midfield has looked organised in spells, but there’s still a gap in that final third when Maddison isn’t on the pitch.

Early signs ahead of the Super Cup

Tottenham face Paris Saint‑Germain on August 13 in Udine. It’s a one-off match, but it carries weight. This is the kind of fixture where the new signings are thrown in and asked to deliver quickly. PSG aren’t the force it once was, but they still carry a serious threat up front. The Super Cup may not define the season, but it’s a chance to lay down a marker and see if the new-look squad can cope under pressure.

Kudus has looked sharp in training and took his goal well in the most recent friendly. Palhinha slotted in without fuss and has already been seen marshalling the space in front of the back four. Neither player seems overwhelmed by the spotlight. That will matter.