Seeking freedom away from Tottenham. Reports continue that key players of the team, including Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham), may transfer this summer. There is also a warning that unless they win the UEFA Europa League, they cannot avoid 'dismantling'.
Multiple British media outlets recently noted, "If Tottenham fails to win the UEFA Europa League, the departure of several key players will be unavoidable," focusing on the uncertainty regarding the whereabouts of key resources such as Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, and Cristian Romero. In particular, 'Tottenham Hotspur News' strongly remarked that "winning the UEFA Europa League is not just a trophy competition, but a variable that determines the survival of the entire team."
James Maddison (29), the team's vice-captain and partner of Son Heung-min, has recently been embroiled in rumors of conflict with the coach. British outlet 'TBR Football' reported on the 24th (Korean time), "If Maddison remains with coach Ange Postecoglou, he is likely to leave the team."
In March, during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 match against AZ Alkmaar, Maddison was seen on the bench with Son Heung-min, seemingly criticizing the coach's tactics by saying, "Always the same plan," and later, in an interview following the Chelsea match, he stated, "The fans' jeers are to be expected. We lose with the same pattern every time," leaving a message contrasting the situation where the coach was at odds with the fans.
Cristian Romero (27), a key player in central defense, is also at the center of rumors regarding a transfer to Atlético Madrid. Spanish media 'OKDIARIO' reported, "Atlético sees Romero as a strategic target, and Tottenham has set a transfer fee of €55 million (about 89.5 billion won)." In a recent YouTube interview, Romero publicly expressed his desire to play on the Spanish stage and is reportedly wanting to join Atlético, where many of his Argentine teammates are.
Along with Romero, the transfer rumors surrounding midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur (27) have also come to light. The British newspaper 'The Times' reported on the 24th, "Atlético Madrid is considering the acquisition of both Cristian Romero and Bentancur."
Bentancur currently has one year left on his contract with Tottenham, and although the club is pursuing a renewal, sources say that an agreement is not easy. Bentancur is evaluated as a versatile asset capable of playing both defensive midfielder and central midfielder and is seen as fitting the combative midfield player favored by Atlético manager Diego Simeone.
Dejan Kulusevski (25), a key player in the attacking second line, is no exception. 'Tottenham Hotspur News' reported on the 23rd, "Kulusevski is one of the players likely to leave the team this summer."
The media reported, "Tottenham is expected to demand a transfer fee of £70 million (about 132.9 billion won), and multiple teams, including SSC Napoli, are interested." Kulusevski maintained a stable form until his injury, but team performance and the possibility of participating in European competitions are expected to significantly impact his future.
With the futures of most key players unclear, winning the UEFA Europa League is emerging as the only breakthrough. Son Heung-min, Maddison, Kulusevski, Romero, and Bentancur all represent the core of the Tottenham project. However, right now, the very foundation of that project is shaking.
Interestingly, Tottenham has continued to show ridiculous disrespect towards 'captain' Son Heung-min. Several local media and critics have claimed that "Son Heung-min is finished" and insist that he should be sold at all costs.
Their logic is that although he is the player with the most attacking points in the team, he must be sold because he does not justify his salary. However, it's evident how chaotic the club Tottenham is, as other starting players, excluding Son Heung-min, are also feeling dissatisfaction toward the coach and club and are looking to transfer.
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