Tottenham Hotspur Confirm the Signing of Exciting Youngster Yang Min-Hyeok
On July 28, 2024, Tottenham Hotspur announced the signing of promising young talent Yang Min-Hyeok while on tour in Eastern Asia. This move underscores the club’s commitment to nurturing young, entertaining players rather than simply acquiring the ready-made stars of world football.
Rising Star with Big Shoes to Fill
Yang Min-Hyeok, already drawing comparisons to Tottenham’s legendary captain Heung-min Son, possesses all the traits necessary to succeed in the Premier League. Despite the league’s reputation as one of the toughest in the world, Min-Hyeok was highly sought-after, with two other English top-flight clubs reportedly interested in securing his services.
While he won’t be donning the Spurs jersey in 2024, his future with the club is highly anticipated. Here’s everything you need to know about Tottenham’s newest teenage sensation, Min-Hyeok, from his style of play to his budding career.
Yang Min-Hyeok’s Career So Far
Youngest Player in Gangwon FC’s History
Min-Hyeok’s professional journey has been brief but impactful. In 2022, he joined Gangneung Jeil High School and played for their football club, the Academy of Gangwon FC. Promoted to the senior team for the 2024 season, he quickly began to make a name for himself.
Min-Hyeok made his debut in the 2024 K-League season opener against Jeju United, becoming the youngest player in Gangwon FC’s history at 17 years, 10 months, and 15 days.
Though it took him some time to adjust to the pace of professional football, he eventually found his stride, scoring a stunning goal against Gwangju FC just days later, making him the club’s youngest-ever scorer.
In addition to his club achievements, Min-Hyeok has represented South Korea at the youth level, and many expect a senior national team debut to be just around the corner.
| Yang Min-Hyeok’s Career Stats | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| League | Matches | Goals | Assists |
| 2024 K-League | 25 | 8 | 4 |
| 2023 K-League U18 Championship | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 K-League U18 Championship | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Yang Min-Hyeok’s Style of Play and Position
One-on-One Specialist
Born on April 16, 2006, Min-Hyeok is only 18 years old but has already made a significant impact as a right winger.
Standing at 1.76m (just over five feet, seven inches), the right-footed winger has been a handful for K-League defenders, starting 14 matches on the right flank and recording six goals and two assists.
Modern football demands versatility, and Min-Hyeok delivers. He has also contributed four goal involvements in 11 matches as a left winger, offering Tottenham further options in attack.
Known for his aggression, forward runs, and dangerous presence in the final third, Min-Hyeok’s style is aptly described by South Korean football expert Sungmo Lee.
“Yang Min-Hyeok is the best young player in the K-League right now, and most significantly, he’s still a high school student.
His talent was so exceptional that Gangwon offered him a professional contract while he was still in school, a first in K-League history,” Lee told Football.London. “He is a great dribbler and also possesses excellent finishing skills, making him a potential successor to Heung-min Son, especially now that he’s joining the same club.”
Min-Hyeok himself echoed this sentiment in his first interview with Tottenham: “My style is very aggressive. I’m good with one-on-ones and quite fast. I also have good finishing skills.”
This confidence is evident in his play. Despite his young age, Min-Hyeok shows no hesitation in taking on defenders, driving forward, and making an impact in the final third—qualities that are becoming increasingly rare in modern football, where system-based play often prevails.
Tottenham’s Agreement with Yang Min-Hyeok
Contract Until 2030
Tottenham officially confirmed Min-Hyeok’s signing on July 28, 2024, with the player joining for an estimated £3.5 million—a club record for Gangwon FC.
He signed a six-year contract until June 2030 but will not officially join Spurs until January 2025, allowing him to finish the K-League season with his current club.
Min-Hyeok follows in the footsteps of notable South Korean players at Tottenham, including Lee Young-pyo and the current club captain, Heung-min Son.
Upon his signing, Min-Hyeok expressed his excitement: “Joining such a big club is an honour. I will try my best to show my abilities. It’s a big challenge, but I believe I can prove my talent.”
Min-Hyeok also highlighted the influence of Son on his decision, stating that having a fellow Korean at the club will aid in his adaptation to life in London.
Yang Min-Hyeok’s Future at Tottenham
Patient Path to the First Team
Although Min-Hyeok is unlikely to feature immediately in Tottenham’s first team when he joins in January 2025, his talent is undeniable.
The transition to life in London and the Premier League will take time, especially considering the cultural differences from Eastern Asia. However, training with the first team at Hotspur Way will offer him invaluable experience.
With Spurs competing in the Europa League during the 2024/25 season, Min-Hyeok may have opportunities to showcase his skills alongside other young talents like Jamie Donley and Mikey Moore.
He will have to impress manager Ange Postecoglou to even think about playing in competitive matches.
The Australian provided his thoughts on the winger when he was announced during pre-season. saying: “We’re delighted to have him as part of the club, somebody who was identified by our scouting department. A young talented player and we’re looking always to not just for the present but for the future.”
