SEOUL, Nov. 23 — South Korean prodigy Yang Min-hyeok, an 18-year-old forward, is set to make an early entry into the fray at Tottenham Hotspur, a month ahead of schedule. Yang, who inked a deal with the Premier League giants over the summer, made the announcement following a stellar performance in his final appearance for Gangwon FC.
After netting the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory against Pohang Steelers at Gangneung Stadium, Yang expressed his excitement about the move. "I’ll be heading to England on December 16," he disclosed during a televised interview. "Tottenham requested that I arrive early, so I’ll be taking some time to recharge before I make the leap. I aim to acclimatise quickly and make the most of this opportunity."
Yang couldn’t have scripted a better farewell with Gangwon. His goal not only secured the win but also propelled the team to an impressive second place finish in the league, amassing 64 points—the highest in the club's history.
Throughout the season, Yang proved to be an indispensable asset, concluding the campaign with an impressive tally of 12 goals and six assists, making him the standout rookie of 2024. He finished just shy of the club’s top scorer, Lee Sang-heon, showcasing his remarkable talent at such a young age.
Yang's journey began as he made history by becoming the youngest player to score in K League, doing so in March while still in high school. Initially signing on a semi-professional contract, his deal was upgraded to a full contract by June.
This season saw Yang clinch the Young Player of the Month award an astounding five times, along with nominations for both the MVP and Young Player of the Year accolades.
Reflecting on his journey, Yang said, "This year has been filled with gratitude. I’ve been fortunate to work with so many incredible coaches and teammates who helped me finish the season strongly. I’m truly delighted we ended on a high note with a win in our last match."
Signed by Spurs until 2030, Yang is also noted for being the youngest South Korean to join a Premier League outfit. Although he may not hit the pitch immediately, Tottenham is keen to integrate him into their setup early, aiding his transition into a new league and country.
Having the experienced South Korean international Son Heung-min leading the Spurs should work in Yang's favour as well.
"Since I'm joining Tottenham mid-season, my priority will be on physical recovery after the K League," Yang admitted. "This is just the start of my football journey, and I hope to have the continued support of everyone as I take this next step."