Son Heung-min became a global brand at Leverkusen but still faces difficult return | David Hytner


The Spurs forward scored important goals and brought commercial clout to the Bundesliga side, but the manner of his exit may mean he is not treated as a homecoming hero

Son Heung-min is remembered at Bayer Leverkusen as an authentic global star; a player who scored important goals and fired Champions League qualifications and one who brought additional clout on the commercial front. Unfortunately for Son, who returns to his former club with Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League on Tuesday night, the manner of his departure remains fresh in the memory, too.

Son began last season as a Leverkusen player, having started in the Bundesliga opener at home to Hoffenheim and the first leg of the Champions League play off away against Lazio. Then Tottenham ramped up their interest and, on the day before the return against Lazio, there was no sign of Son at Bayer’s open training session.

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