Picture this: a teenager from a small town in South Korea, playing high school football just months ago, is now on the brink of becoming a household name in one of the world’s biggest football leagues. It sounds like the plot of a feel-good sports movie, doesn’t it? Enter Yang, Tottenham Hotspur’s latest gem, who has captured the imagination of football fans with his incredible journey from high school football pitches to the Premier League stage.
Today, we profile Yang-Min-Hyeok, South Korea’s next biggest thing, and know a bit more about him.
Who is Yang Min-hyeok?
Born on 16 April 2006 in Gwangju, Yang Min-hyeok is South Korea’s latest football prodigy, blending youthful energy with a knack for terrorizing defenses. Having just finished the K-League 1 for his side Gangwon FC, wherein they finished 2nd in the table, Yang has already left a trail of broken defensive lines in his wake. But wait—there’s more! Tottenham Hotspur had already snapped him up on a five-year contract in July 2024, setting the stage for his Premier League debut in January 2025.
At 18, Yang has already racked up 12 goals and 6 assists in 38 appearances, numbers that scream “future legend.” With Spurs fans buzzing in anticipation, the young forward’s story is just beginning.
Height: At 1.73 m, the South Korean is 5 feet 8 inches in height, which helps him in terms of his low center of gravity and dribbling.
Shirt Number: The speedster wears #47 for Gangwon FC, but being assigned the same number at his new club might be a problem, as fellow young prodigy Micky Moore at the club already has that number.
Early Beginnings: From High School to Stardom
Yang’s journey began humbly in 2022 when he joined Gangneung Jeil High School, an academy tied to Gangwon FC. If football were an anime, Yang would be the protagonist who works tirelessly before dazzling everyone with his unexpected rise.
In 2024, barely a year before graduation, Yang skipped the whole “finish high school first” thing and jumped straight into the senior team at Gangwon FC. And he didn’t just play; he dominated. His crowning achievement? Becoming the youngest-ever K League Player of the Month in July 2024. Imagine being in high school and being better at your job than most adults. That’s Yang for you.
International Brilliance: Flying the South Korean Flag
Yang isn’t just a domestic phenomenon; he’s making waves internationally too. He was part of the South Korean U-17 team that finished as runners-up in the 2023 AFC U-17 Asian Cup and participated in the FIFA U-17 World Cup the same year. While others his age were stressing about exams, Yang was busy chasing glory on a global stage.
What Makes Him Special? Playing Style and Potential
Yang is a forward who thrives on the wings, showcasing a blistering mix of pace, agility, and lethal finishing ability. Whether hugging the touchline or cutting inside like a hot knife through butter, Yang has defenders scrambling. Tottenham fans might finally have the versatile attacking option they’ve been crying out for. On being asked about his style of play in his recent media duties as a new Spurs player, the young South Korean described his bursts of acceleration and agility as his best attributes. He further mentioned that due to his rather shorter height, he is good at maneuvering his feet and body and dribbling past defenders in tight spaces.
And don’t sleep on his ability to rise quickly—his value on and off the pitch skyrocketed this year. Much like BTS conquered the global music scene, Yang is poised to take over football.
Position: Yang most recently played as a left winger for his side, but he is capable of playing on both flanks of the pitch and is effective from all angles.
Why Tottenham Fans Should Be Excited: Individual Trophy Cabinet Starter Kit
Yang’s short career already has more individual honors than some players achieve in a lifetime, which already makes him the best young player coming from the South Korean league since Kim-Min Jae of Bayern Munich. Some of the Individual honors that the player has won are:
• K League Young Player of the Month: Four consecutive months (April, May, June, and July 2024).
• K League Player of the Month: July 2024.
• K League All-Star and Best XI: 2024.
• K League 1 Young Player of the Year: 2024 (Since Kim-Min Jae last won it)
If trophies were poker chips, Yang would be all-in.
Analysing Yang’s Tottenham Transfer: Fee, Contract and Salary
Yang was Tottenham’s third signing of the summer transfer window ahead of the 2024-25 Premier League season. Signing a five-year deal, keeping him at the club until 2030, Spurs reportedly paid just over £3 million (3.3 approx.) according to rumors for the winger, though his market value at the time stood at £1 million. Now, Yang’s transfer market value has risen to £2.8 million, reflecting his potential and recent performances. His current weekly wage at Tottenham is estimated at €5,000 according to SoFifa, a significant step up from his K-League earnings. (stats from transfermarkt)
Initially earning 1,000,000 won per month under a semi-professional contract, Yang secured a significant raise when he joined Gangwon FC in the K-League senior team, earning the league’s minimum salary of $19,500 or 15,500 pounds annually. Thus, the initial wage of €5000 reported by SoFifa might be off the mark, as the young winger is projected to earn more than his earnings at Gangwon.
Yang’s move has been historic from a Korean football perspective, as his move is officially regarded as the highest transfer in terms of money being paid for a player moving from Korea to Europe. Thus, this sends out a strong message in terms of his talent, which is probably of the highest grade that South Korea has ever produced in history.
FC25 Ratings: A Meteoric Rise
Yang’s rapid development is best captured by his FC25 (Sofifa) ratings. In September 2024, his overall rating was 53, with a potential rating of 68. By November 2024, his overall rating soared to 71, with his potential climbing to 86—a remarkable +18 improvement in both metrics in just three months. This meteoric rise is a testament to his dedication, adaptability, and growing recognition as a top talent.
Personal Life: Family First
Off the pitch, Yang remains deeply rooted in his family values. Currently in London with his agent, he plans to bring his parents over to stay with him as soon as his visa arrangements are finalized. Yang’s close relationship with his family highlights his grounded personality, which is crucial for navigating the challenges of adapting to a new league, culture, and environment.
Agent and Support System
Yang’s agent, though not a high-profile figure, has played a pivotal role in guiding his career. Having transitioned from high school football to a semi-professional contract and now to the Premier League in just six months, Yang’s journey suggests his agent is likely someone close and familiar, offering personal support rather than being part of a corporate firm, as the official name of his agent is not out yet. This close-knit approach has undoubtedly helped Yang acclimate to his rapid rise. His agent’s official name or information is not known on a broader scale yet.
Yang’s Unexpected Early Visit In London
Yang was recently spotted in the stands of the iconic Tottenham Hotspur Stadium during the thrilling EFL Cup quarterfinal clash between Spurs and Manchester United. The youngster finished his K-League 1 season with Gangwon FC recently in December, as the South Korean domestic league usually reaches its conclusion by the calendar year. Gangwon finished 2nd in the table with 64 points, 8 shy of Ulsan, who won the league with 72 points. Thus, the teen prodigy was also later spotted at the Hotspur Way after the EFL game, joining Tottenham’s team orientations and training sessions as soon as he got relieved of his K-league 1 commitments to help Ange Postecoglou’s side fight for potential trophies and a good end to the season whilst also settling into his life in a new city and gelling amongst his new peers.
More recently, Yang was also spotted at the Tottenham Hotspurs Stadium in their home quarterfinal tie against Manchester United. It wasn’t the calmest introduction to life as a Spurs player, as the game turned into a nail-biting affair, with Spurs edging out United in a dramatic 4-3 victory. Yang’s expressions were a mix of excitement and anxiety as he experienced the rollercoaster emotions of Spurs fans firsthand.
One can only imagine the young winger’s blood pressure rising with every twist and turn of the topsy-turvy match. Despite the tension, his presence symbolized his commitment to the club and eagerness to immerse himself in its culture and passion. It’s safe to say that this baptism of fire in the stands might have prepared him for the unpredictable ride that comes with being a Spur.
Is he truly the Next Big Thing?
Yang Min-hyuk’s journey from high school football in South Korea to the Premier League is nothing short of extraordinary. With his rising FC25 ratings, versatile playing style, and grounded personality, Yang represents the perfect blend of talent and potential.
For Tottenham fans, Yang is not just another signing; he’s a player with the capability to dazzle on the field and make a lasting impact. As he begins his journey in London, all eyes will be on this young Korean sensation to see how he fulfills his promise and cements his place in football history.
Yang Min-hyuk is not just a player to watch—he’s a star in the making.
