#KLUpod | Son Heung-min leaves Spurs, Kim Pan-gon parts ways with Ulsan HD & K League Summer Friendly Wrap-up

Son Heung-min Bids Farewell to Spurs

Record Transfer to MLS Shakes Korean Football Scene

The K League summer friendlies were overshadowed this week by two bombshell announcements: Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min's departure from the Premier League club after a decade and his subsequent record-breaking move to MLS side LA FC. “With his subsequent record-breaking move to MLS side LA FC announced days later, the pod first takes a look at this sizeable transfer and the impact it could have on Korea ahead of the 2026 World Cup.”

Team K League Defeats Newcastle in Summer Showdown

In the midst of these headline-grabbing transfers, Team K League secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Newcastle United. "Andrew gives his thoughts on the game plus we hear from Magpies boss Eddie Howe and FC Anyang's Thomas Oude-Kotte, before our columnist Claire Evans joins us to tell us about her experience from the stands."

Barcelona Dominates K League Opponents in Friendly Tour

Barcelona continued their summer tour with two impressive victories against Korean sides. Paul Neat details FC Seoul’s 7-3 defeat at the hands of the Spanish giants, while Andrew Farrell analyzes Barcelona's subsequent 5-0 win over Daegu. “We also hear from Barcelona boss Hansi Flick along with Daegu striker Edgar who caught up with our own Jung Muyeol.”

Kim Pan-gon Out as Ulsan Manager, Shin Tae-yong Takes the Helm

Despite defeating Newcastle, Ulsan manager Kim Pan-gon's reign came to an end following an eleven-game winless streak. “The reigning K League 1 Manager of the Year had been coming under increasing pressure as Ulsan's title bid slipped away.” He has been replaced by former Korea and Indonesia National Team boss Shin Tae-yong, who takes over just in time for the weekend fixtures.