'Captain' Son Heung-min (33) may retire at Tottenham Hotspur after a decade of partnership. Manager Ange Postecoglou left an important hint. It is also anticipated locally in the UK that Son Heung-min is likely to sign an additional short-term contract.

On the 12th (Korean time), Britain 'Sports Mole' reported, "With Tottenham facing a significant decision, Postecoglou provided an update on Son Heung-min's contract situation. He explained that he did not want the captain Son Heung-min to leave the club without a trophy since joining the team nearly 10 years ago."

Tottenham will face Wolverhampton Wanderers in the away match of Round 32 of the 2024-2025 Premier League (PL) season at Molineux Stadium in Wolverhampton, UK, on the 13th.

During a press conference ahead of the match, questions arose regarding Son Heung-min's contract situation. Son Heung-min has been playing for Tottenham since 2015, but his future is uncertain. His contract was due to expire at the end of this season, but in January, he activated a one-year extension option with Tottenham.

For Tottenham, this means they have avoided the risk of losing Son Heung-min as a free agent (FA) this summer. However, instead of the expected re-signing, it has only come down to the extension option, leading to ongoing transfer speculation. There are speculations that Tottenham may sell Son Heung-min, who will turn 33, to collect a transfer fee. His performance of only 7 goals and 10 assists this season has also been pointed out.

This season's UEFA Europa League (UEL) might be Son Heung-min's last opportunity to win a trophy. Tottenham is currently facing Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarterfinals of the tournament. The first leg played at Tottenham's home ended in a 1-1 draw.

Sports Mole noted, "Son Heung-min could lead Tottenham to a UEL victory next month, but Tottenham is fighting a tough battle to advance to the semifinals. Therefore, unless Son Heung-min is compensated with another contract extension, the 2025-2026 season could be his last chance to bring significant honor to Tottenham. However, he will be approaching his 34th birthday at the end of next season."

The outlet added, "If Tottenham does not bind Son Heung-min with a new contract, this summer or next January would be the last opportunity to recoup some of the £26 million (approximately 48.5 billion won) they paid for him back in 2015. Son Heung-min has never lifted a trophy since joining North London, but he has established a legendary status with 173 goals and 96 assists in 451 appearances over the last 10 years."

Britain's 'Football London' also said, "Son Heung-min struggled to maintain his consistent performance this season. Nevertheless, he has still managed to achieve 23 attacking points in 43 matches across all competitions. Captain Son Heung-min will turn 33 this summer and is entering the final season of his contract. Had he not extended his contract for 12 months in January, it would have expired this season."

Locally in the UK, there is increasing attention on Son Heung-min's future. Manager Postecoglou was asked if he knew anything about the contract situation. He replied, "We activated the extension option. That's it. We will resolve all issues at the appropriate time. This is not the time to think about that issue."

At the same time, he disclosed a positive hint. Postecoglou stated, "Certainly, as the season comes to an end, there will be a review point where we evaluate where our team is and make future plans. I am confident that Son Heung-min will be part of that discussion."

Son Heung-min is universally recognized as a Tottenham legend. The Tottenham fan community 'To The Rain And Back' praised him by stating, "Since joining Tottenham, Son Heung-min has been a loyal servant. The term legend is far too easily used in football, but the number 7 of Tottenham is a legend of the club and arguably the best player in the club's history. He is loved by all fans and contributes every week for Tottenham."

However, Son Heung-min's presence at Tottenham is gradually diminishing. He has only scored 1 goal in his last 17 matches, with that goal being a penalty scored against Bournemouth. His last field goal in the Premier League was a deflected shot against Arsenal in January.

Britain's public broadcaster 'BBC' also made a harsh assessment. The outlet reported, "Son Heung-min no longer seems to be an indispensable player for Tottenham. Just a while ago, it was unimaginable to substitute forward Son Heung-min when Tottenham was seeking victory. However, he was replaced by 10-year-old Mathys Tel in a match against Frankfurt that the club announcer called 'the most important match of the season.'"

Moreover, the BBC stated, "This season, Son Heung-min does not seem as fast or sharp as before. He cannot penetrate behind the defense to score or quickly push the ball forward by half a yard (45cm). There is no doubt about his status as a Tottenham legend. He set a record for his 67th appearance in European competitions, tying with Harry Kane for the most appearances in the club's history. However, unlike Kane, Son Heung-min's influence diminishes as his speed declines."

The 'Telegraph' shared the same view. The outlet claimed, "It is time for Tottenham to exclude Son Heung-min from the starting lineup. He obviously lost the explosiveness and scoring instinct that made him a Tottenham legend after his subpar performance against Frankfurt."

Furthermore, the Telegraph noted, "Considering the difficult questions posed to Son Heung-min, who has dedicated 10 years to Tottenham, it feels cruel. However, reality cannot be avoided. The 32-year-old Son Heung-min is clearly struggling to leave a strong impression as usual. The explosiveness and decisiveness that characterized his career are now absent. As a result, his goal tally has diminished."

However, Sports Mole highlighted that Son Heung-min can still play a significant role at Tottenham. The outlet emphasized, "The less said about Tottenham's current season, the better. Son Heung-min has also faced criticism at times. Nevertheless, his attacking metrics remain among the top. Over the past nine seasons, he has recorded double digits in either goals or assists. This season, he has achieved 7 goals and 10 assists."

Sports Mole added, "Son Heung-min is also a great mentor for younger players like Mikey Moore and Wilson Odobert to learn from. It would be shocking if Tottenham considers selling him this summer regardless of the contract situation."

The most likely scenario appears to be a short-term re-signing for Son Heung-min. The outlet explained, "If Son Heung-min continues to perform at a high level and remains for the 2025-2026 season, he is likely to receive another short-term contract extension, especially if Tottenham shows signs of getting closer to a trophy again. However, if Son Heung-min leaves as a free agent after finishing an 11-year partnership, it would not lead to significant controversy."

Manager Postecoglou also expressed unwavering trust in Son Heung-min. He said, "Son Heung-min continues to have a huge impact on and off the pitch for us. He works hard for the team." He added, "Son Heung-min contributed to creating many opportunities in the match against Frankfurt. He worked really well with the other three forwards on the Chonbang. Son Heung-min is very important to the club and what we are doing now."

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