Tottenham’s new striker Son Heung-min eager to show worth

South Korean international signed from Bayer Leverkusen in €30milliion deal

Tottenham have announced the signing of forward Son Heung-min from Bayer Leverkusen. Photograph: Jonathan Brady/PA
Tottenham have announced the signing of forward Son Heung-min from Bayer Leverkusen. Photograph: Jonathan Brady/PA

New Tottenham signing Son Heung-min has vowed to light up White Hart Lane after agreeing a five-year deal with the north London club.

Spurs announced the arrival of the South Korean international from Bayer Leverkusen in a reported €30milliion deal on Friday.

Son, who will wear the number seven shirt, scored 29 times in 87 appearances for the Bundesliga outfit — including three goals in the Champions League last season.

And the 23-year-old, whose move is still subject to international clearance and a work permit, cannot wait to dazzle the Tottenham supporters.

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“Spurs for me is such a big club and a really good team,” Son said.

“My goal has always been to play in the Premier League and Tottenham have given me a great opportunity to do that and I am really happy to have the chance to come here.

“I love the Premier League and I am very excited to play at White Hart Lane. I have not played there yet but I’d Iove to go out there, show my abilities and perform for the Spurs fans as soon as possible.”

Son operates predominantly as a wide forward but his arrival will ease the pressure on Harry Kane, who, despite his goal heroics last season, has yet to find the back of the net this term.

It could also signal the end of Tottenham’s frustrating pursuit of West Brom striker Saido Berahino.

The England Under-21 international has handed in a transfer request at the Hawthorns, but the Baggies have already rejected two formal offers from Tottenham and Daniel Levy, the Spurs chairman, is reportedly unwilling to go back for a third time and meet West Brom's £25million asking price.

Form

Son has an impressive record in Germany after starring for Hamburg before sealing his move to Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2013 — and he hopes to maintain his good form in London.

“It has always been my dream to play in the Premier League,” Son added.

"I played against Chelsea before when I started my first season at Hamburg. I scored so I have pretty fond memories of that match, but in the Premier League there are lots of good players and good teams so I have to be prepared to work really hard to show my ability.

“I played many games and gathered much experience for my age and that makes me play better and score goals.

“Many fans have supported me at my past clubs and complimented me on my play. This motivates me more and I work even harder because of this.”

It remains unclear whether Son will be available for Tottenham’s tea-time clash against Everton at White Hart Lane on Saturday.

Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed he will be without playmaker Christian Eriksen, sidelined with an ankle injury, but Andros Townsend could be available.

Loan signing

Meanwhile Sunderland have signed Sweden international Ola Toivonen on a season-long loan from French Ligue 1 side Rennes, according to a statement on the Premier League club's website.

The 29-year-old attacking midfielder joined Rennes in January 2014 and has scored 14 goals in 46 league appearances for the club. He also has more than 40 caps for Sweden.

"I worked with Ola at PSV (Eindhoven) so I know him well," Sunderland manager Dick Advocaat told the club's website.

“He is a national team player with a lot of experience, an attacking midfielder who can score goals and is good in the air -- he will bring something different to the team.”