The likelihood of key players, including Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham), leaving the team this summer is increasing. Local reports warned that if Tottenham is unable to win the UEFA Europa League, the team could effectively disband.

Several British media outlets recently reported that "if Tottenham misses the Europa League trophy, it will be difficult to avoid a mass exodus of core players." Concerns have been raised about the future of key resources such as Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, and Cristian Romero.

Tottenham Hotspur News strongly pointed out that "winning the Europa League is not just about the trophy, but a decisive factor that will determine the existence of the club."

Son Heung-min's attacking partner James Maddison (29) is also at the center of transfer rumors. British media outlet TBR Football reported on the 24th (Korea time) that "Maddison is likely to leave if coach Ange Postecoglou remains."

In March, during the Europa League Round of 16 match against AZ Alkmaar, Maddison sat next to Son Heung-min on the bench and seemed to criticize the coach's tactics, saying, "It's always the same tactics." Later, in an interview after the Chelsea match, he remarked, "The boos from the fans are justified. We keep losing in the same pattern," indicating a differing opinion from coach Postecoglou.

The key defender Cristian Romero (27) is also caught up in transfer rumors.

OKDIARIO reported, "Atletico Madrid has targeted Romero as a strategic acquisition," and "Tottenham plans to demand a transfer fee of €55 million (about 89.5 billion won)." Romero recently stated in an interview that "one day, I want to play in Spain," which is drawing him to Atletico, where many of his Argentine teammates are.

Furthermore, midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur (27) is also on the transfer rumor list. The Times reported that "Atletico is considering acquiring not only Romero but also Bentancur." Bentancur currently has one year left on his contract with Tottenham, and the club is trying to negotiate a renewal, but negotiations are facing difficulties. Bentancur, who can play both as a defensive midfielder and central midfielder, fits the combative style preferred by coach Diego Simeone.

Dejan Kulusevski (25), who played a key role in the attacking second line, is also being discussed in connection with transfer possibilities this summer. Tottenham Hotspur News reported on the 23rd that "Kulusevski is one of the players likely to leave the team," adding that "Tottenham plans to set a transfer fee of £70 million (about 132.9 billion won), and multiple clubs, including SSC Napoli, are showing interest."

With the future of most key resources becoming uncertain, if Tottenham fails to win the Europa League, a mass exodus of key players is likely to become a reality. Son Heung-min, Maddison, Kulusevski, Romero, and Bentancur are all players who are the core elements of the Tottenham project, but now the very foundation of it is shaking.

In particular, the neglect that captain Son Heung-min has experienced exacerbates the issue. Local media and critics have belittled Son Heung-min, calling him "a finished player" and have argued that he should be sold without question. However, Son Heung-min still leads the team in most attacking points. Nevertheless, there is a persistent argument suggesting that he should leave the team due to salary issues.

Ironically, beyond Son Heung-min, many key players are seeking to leave due to disappointment with the club and coach, clearly revealing how weakened the foundation of Tottenham has become. Tottenham has now become a typical example of how easily a team without a focal point can collapse.

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