Ultimately, it only means to leave. There are strong claims from outside that Son Heung-min and Tottenham are parting ways.
The Korea Football Association announced that on the 31st of last month (Korean time), Son Heung-min received a total of 109 points, narrowly surpassing the previous year's winner Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich, 104 points) to regain the title.
The player of the year award from the Korea Football Association is determined by a combined score from reporter votes (50%) and votes from association experts (technical development committee and women's football coaches) (50%).
Tottenham Hotspur news reported on the 1st that Son Heung-min's eighth time receiving the award came despite criticism for underperforming this season, adding that he delivered the good news.
Tottenham Hotspur news stated on the 31st of last month that "Tottenham is planning new changes through the transfer market. They have determined that Son Heung-min's era has ended."
They added, "Son Heung-min should be sold. This is reasonable. He is not the top priority for selling, but considering his age and high salary, he is a strong candidate for sale." It further stated, "If they part ways with him, it would benefit players like Richarlison and Dominic Solanke."
Tottenham Hotspur news also conveyed that "Tottenham needs to restructure its attacking lineup through the upcoming transfer market. They need experienced players like Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton."
Tuderain and Back reported on the 29th of last month that "Tottenham may take the steps to part ways with Son Heung-min. There is a possibility that an era at Tottenham is coming to an end," adding that "Tottenham plans to seriously consider offers for Son Heung-min in the upcoming summer transfer market."
Son Heung-min will remain with Tottenham until next season due to the club activating an option to extend his contract for another year until 2026 in January. However, he has faced criticism from some fans and local experts for inconsistent performance throughout the season, questioning whether he is a suitable candidate for contract extension.
Tottenham Hotspur news reported, "Despite the uncertain situation, Son Heung-min delivered positive news. While there are growing possibilities he could leave Tottenham after the season, he recently received a significant award in South Korea."
They added, "Despite facing multiple difficulties this season, Son Heung-min still has the opportunity to lift his first Tottenham trophy as team captain. Tottenham has reached the quarterfinals of the Europa League, focusing on reclaiming a major trophy for the first time in 17 years. For this to happen, Son Heung-min must play his role as the team's ace again, and this 'player of the year' award could serve as a boost to his confidence."
Tottenham Hotspur news implied, "In recent weeks, Son Heung-min has been excluded from the starting lineup at times, and his comments expressing dissatisfaction about playing time may have affected his relationship with the manager."
There is a reason why the article referred to this part as 'a forced claim.' Since the 22nd of last month, Tottenham Hotspur news has continuously asserted, "With Son Heung-min's interview becoming public, manager Ange Postecoglou may feel displeased with Son Heung-min's comments."
The basis for this claim is from the pre-match press conference ahead of the match against Oman at Goyang Stadium on March 19. During this press conference, Son Heung-min stated, "I'm in very good shape. As I have mentioned several times, this is my best condition. I have expended a lot of energy in March due to balancing the Europa League and the league, but I believe the manager thought I could maintain better condition. Currently, there are no issues with my body."
In relation to this statement, Tottenham Hotspur interprets that Son Heung-min is dissatisfied with manager Postecoglou's management of his playing time. Son Heung-min positively assessed his physical condition, leaving the nuance that 'it was not due to fitness.'
Manager Postecoglou explained, "We implemented rotation due to physical reasons," but some British media speculate, "Isn't Son Heung-min gradually being excluded from tactical reasons?" Despite being the captain, his chances of playing are decreasing, which is an unusual situation.
Son Heung-min has quietly fulfilled his role. Especially in the second leg of the Round of 16 against AZ Alkmaar, he was involved in all goals, leading to a 3-1 victory and contributing to a 3-2 aggregate advance to the quarterfinals. He also showcased his ability to change the flow of the game right after the second half kicked off against Fulham in Round 29, where the game was not progressing well.
In official competitions this season, he has shown the most explosive attacking prowess in Tottenham with 11 goals and 11 assists over 40 matches.
Give Me Sport reported on the 24th that "Tottenham is planning a blockbuster sale of Son Heung-min. The groundwork for the transfer has already been completed. Tottenham is considering parting ways with Son Heung-min ahead of the summer transfer market."
It is not typical to harass Son Heung-min. Ultimately, it can only be seen as Tottenham’s intention to undermine him and create a favorable situation.
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