Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur) will not appear in the away match against Liverpool. Although expectations for his return are gradually rising, Tottenham is already showing serious instability internally. With the possibility of transfers for key players, including Son Heung-min, the entire club is at risk of collapse.

Tottenham announced on the 25th (Korea time) through the club's official channel that Son Heung-min will miss the away match against Liverpool in the 34th round of the 2024-2025 Premier League season on the 28th. Son Heung-min has missed three consecutive matches, including the match against Wolverhampton, Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League, and Nottingham Forest, due to a foot injury. The club indicated that while Son Heung-min's recovery is positive, he is not yet at a stage where he can participate in matches.

Head coach Ange Postecoglou also noted through the club media 'Inside Spurs' that "Son Heung-min is gradually improving, but it would be difficult for him to participate in the match against Liverpool." Son Heung-min participated in his first grass training on the 26th, and due to the nature of his injury, a cautious approach was necessary. The club did not demand strenuous movements from Son Heung-min for over a week, focusing solely on his recovery.

Tottenham will face Norway's dark horse Bodø/Glimt in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League semifinals after the match against Liverpool. The club expects that Son Heung-min may be able to return for this game.

The problem is that Son Heung-min's absence is not merely leading to a decline in performance.

Major British media warned that if Tottenham fails to win the Europa League, it will be difficult to prevent a mass exodus of key players. Concerns about the futures of essential players such as Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Cristian Romero, and Rodrigo Bentancur are being specifically mentioned.

In particular, Tottenham Hotspur News emphasized that the Europa League trophy will be the key to the club's survival, going beyond mere accomplishments.

Maddison has recently been embroiled in rumors of an uncomfortable relationship with head coach Postecoglou. Footage captured during the match against AZ Alkmaar in March showed him sitting on the bench with Son Heung-min, seemingly expressing dissatisfaction, and in an interview after the Chelsea match, he conveyed a message contrary to the coach's by saying he understands the fans' jeers.

Romero is at the center of transfer rumors to Atlético Madrid. OKDIARIO reported that Atlético has set the acquisition of Romero as a strategic goal, and Tottenham will demand €55 million (about 89.5 billion won). Romero also hopes to return to the Spanish stage.

Rodrigo Bentancur has also emerged as a target for Atlético, following Romero. According to The Times, Atlético is reviewing the acquisition of Bentancur concurrently, and negotiations for a contract renewal with Tottenham are reportedly not proceeding smoothly.

Kulusevski is also classified as a player with a high likelihood of transfer this summer. Tottenham Hotspur News predicted that a price tag of £70 million (about 132.9 billion won) will be placed on Kulusevski, and multiple clubs, including SSC Napoli, are showing interest.

With the futures of many key players becoming unclear, Tottenham is experiencing rapid instability. Son Heung-min, Maddison, Kulusevski, Romero, and Bentancur were all central figures in the original Tottenham project, but now the situation has become such that their team retention cannot be guaranteed.

In particular, the controversy surrounding the neglect of captain Son Heung-min is further worsening the situation. Local media and some analysts have evaluated Son Heung-min as "a player whose time is over," deeming him a candidate for sale. Despite Son Heung-min still recording the most attacking points in the team, the contradictory logic of discussing his sale due to salary issues is widening the gap between the club and the fans.

However, it is not just about Son Heung-min. Many key players are currently unhappy with the club's management and are contemplating leaving, and the internal divisions within Tottenham are becoming increasingly clear over time.

Tottenham, shaken without Son Heung-min, now faces a situation where it must worry not only about simple season goals but the future of the entire club.

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