Report: Real Madrid star targeted by Tottenham as Son Heung-min’s replacement
Tottenham Hotspur received the news that Heung-min Son has decided to leave the club after 10 years. His departure not only marks the exit of a club icon but also the loss of a key player who must be replaced. That’s why a Real Madrid star has emerged as a potential alternative.
According to Diario AS, the player being targeted by the Spurs is Rodrygo Goes. “Tottenham are closely monitoring the Brazilian international and have even requested permission from Real Madrid to speak with him,” the Spanish outlet recently reported.
Son’s exit will also give the English side room to financially pursue a high-profile signing like Goes. “Tottenham will save on their highest salary with Son’s departure. The South Korean earns more than €11 million ($12.7 million) per season,” AS noted. “That space can now be used by Tottenham to go after a star—and the long-desired one is Rodrygo.”
The Brazilian forward has played a key role for Real Madrid over the past few seasons, particularly under head coach Carlo Ancelotti. Since joining the club in 2019, he has made 267 appearances, scoring 68 goals and adding 46 assists, helping Los Blancos win 13 trophies.
However, Rodrygo is expected to have a diminished role in the 2025–26 season under Xabi Alonso. The new coach’s preferences, combined with the arrival of Franco Mastantuono, suggest fewer opportunities for him to feature in the starting lineup.
Tottenham could be a great fit for Rodrygo
While Rodrygo Goes has been an important piece at Real Madrid in recent years, he has never truly been seen as an essential figure in the squad. His preferred position is left winger—an area dominated by Vinicius Junior. And that challenge has only grown since Kylian Mbappe arrived last year, as he also favors the left flank.
A move to Tottenham could offer Rodrygo the ideal platform to fully showcase his potential. He would still face competition from players like Brennan Johnson, Bryan Gil, and Wilson Odobert, but likely with more opportunity than he currently has in Spain.
Tottenham aren’t the only club interested in Rodrygo
While Tottenham now appear in position to make serious progress in talks with Real Madrid, they’re not alone in their interest. Liverpool have also been linked to Rodrygo, although Diario AS reports that the Reds have paused that pursuit to focus on signing Alexander Isak from Newcastle. Still, if that deal falls through, Liverpool could return to the table for Rodrygo.