Son Heung-min likely to stay at Tottenham amid Saudi interest

Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) appears likely to remain at Tottenham despite interest from Saudi Arabian clubs.

The British media outlet 'TBR Football' reported on the 19th (Korea time) that "Son Heung-min's camp is in contact with Saudi Arabian Pro League clubs," adding, "While it is highly likely that Son Heung-min will stay at Tottenham, his future may depend on the next manager."

The media further reported, "I have heard that Son Heung-min could remain at Tottenham after this summer. This is entirely dependent on who becomes the manager. That's why there haven't been many rumors of overseas transfers now," noting that "Given the possibility that Ange Postecoglou may leave, everything related to Son Heung-min’s future will be determined by who the successor is."

Postecoglou's future is uncertain. This season, Tottenham has recorded 21 losses, a club record, causing them to drop to 17th place in the Premier League. The team has also faced humiliating results, such as four consecutive losses against Chelsea, with conflicts with fans intensifying. The possibility of his dismissal after the end of the season has been raised, regardless of the outcome of the Europa League match against Manchester United on the 22nd.

Son Heung-min is focusing solely on winning the European competition. He is preparing diligently for the match against Manchester United. He is aiming for his first career trophy. If Tottenham wins, it will lift a trophy for the first time in 17 years.

Son Heung-min, who joined Tottenham in 2015, has yet to win a single trophy. On the 17th, he returned to the starting lineup against Aston Villa after 36 days and played for 74 minutes. After the match, he said, “I was a bit tired since it was my first game back, but my physical condition is good,” adding, “All the players are recovering their physical state for the final. Our goal is to bring back results.”

This season, Son Heung-min has recorded double-digit goals and assists but has not shown the same sharp performance as in previous years. In the league match against Crystal Palace on the 11th, he had several decisive opportunities but hesitated, missing chances. He appeared less confident even in one-on-one situations compared to the past.

Meanwhile, former Tottenham scout Brian Keene said in an interview with 'Tottenham News' in February, "There is a good chance Son Heung-min could accept a lucrative offer from the Saudi League."

He added, "If Son Heung-min decides to transfer, he could gain significant financial benefits," noting, "From Tottenham's perspective, with only one year left on the contract, a transfer fee of £40 million (about 72.6 billion won) could be useful funds."

Furthermore, Keene analyzed, "Son Heung-min might choose a new challenge to maintain the reputation he has built up until now," adding, "Leaving Tottenham may not be an easy decision, but the large contract he would receive in the Saudi League could offset that."

According to 'Cut Offside,' Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad of the Saudi Pro League have shown interest in acquiring Son Heung-min.

Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad are regarded as strong teams in the Saudi League. Al-Hilal, where Neymar played, includes players like Aleksandar Mitrović, Malcolm, Sergej Milinković-Savić, Rubén Neves, and João Cancelo. Al-Ittihad also features Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kanté, Fabinho, and Steven Bergwijn, who played alongside Son Heung-min at Tottenham.

Additionally, several European stars are active in the Saudi League, including Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr), Sadio Mané (Al-Nassr), Roberto Firmino (Al-Ahli), Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli), Yannick Carrasco (Al-Shabab), and Daniel Podence (Al-Shabab).

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