What choice will Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur) make this summer? Saudi Arabia is once again tempting him with 'oil money.'
On the 18th (Korean time), British 'TBR Football' reported, "It seems likely that Son Heung-min will remain with Tottenham next season. However, his future depends on the next coach."
The media reported, "At 32, Son Heung-min has been with Tottenham for 10 years, and his loyalty could soon be rewarded with a European competition trophy. He has watched Harry Kane end his wait for a trophy and is now likely to hope for a similar moment in Bilbao," adding, "Son Heung-min could leave the team on a remarkable high, but Tottenham is likely to give their captain one last season."
Graham Bailey of TBR Football noted, "I heard that Son Heung-min could remain with Tottenham after this summer. However, as we know, it all depends on the coach. That’s why there haven’t been many transfer rumors abroad yet. I think the likelihood of Son Heung-min’s future remaining with Tottenham is high. Of course, it changes significantly depending on who becomes the next coach, as Ange Postecoglou is expected to leave."
Son Heung-min could end his 10-year journey with Tottenham this season. His contract with Tottenham expires in the summer of 2026, making this summer a significant crossroads. For Tottenham, it’s the last chance to sell Son and collect a transfer fee, and for Son, it could be an opportunity to choose a new challenge before it's too late.
Ultimately, who becomes Tottenham’s next manager is crucial. Tottenham is reportedly planning to dismiss manager Postecoglou and prepare for a new era, regardless of whether they win the UEFA Europa League (UEL). This makes the situation cautious in regard to the transfer market. It’s highly likely that Son Heung-min’s future will also be determined by the next coach.
Meanwhile, love calls from Saudi Arabia continue to arrive. Bailey explained, "One thing is clear regarding Son Heung-min: the Saudi Professional League is continuously in contact with him and his camp for a summer contract. There’s a possibility that he could leave or that he may stay. While some Tottenham fans believe that Son will definitely stay, it isn’t certain."
He added, "Chairman Daniel Levy loves him as a person and as a player, despite not offering Son Heung-min a new contract. It's just football. So, it's going to be an interesting situation to keep an eye on in the future." While Levy is notoriously known as a calculating and cold businessman, it seems that he cherishes club legend Son Heung-min.
Of course, from a business perspective, Tottenham has not been taking care of Son Heung-min. Since last season, there have been reports about Tottenham preparing for a multi-year re-contract with Son, but there has been no movement. Time has continued to pass, and Tottenham only managed to hold on to Son back in January. However, that was not a re-contract but simply an activation of a one-year extension option.
This indicates an intention to wait until they have observed Son Heung-min's performance before unfolding negotiations from a favorable position. TBR Football also highlighted, "Korean national team player Son Heung-min signed a one-year extension contract with Tottenham in January. However, his future at Tottenham has become uncertain since then. With doubts about Postecoglou's future, the next manager might choose to change club plans and part ways with captain Son Heung-min."
This is also the reason why Saudi Arabia has been consistently eyeing Son Heung-min. He received love calls from Saudi Arabia in the summer of 2023 as well. Al Ittihad, backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), sought to acquire Son Heung-min.
According to American 'CBS Sports', at that time, Al Ittihad had prepared a transfer fee of $65 million (approximately 90.8 billion won) and an annual salary of €30 million (approximately 46.9 billion won). For Son Heung-min, it was an opportunity to earn €120 million (approximately 187.6 billion won) over four years.
However, Son Heung-min rejected the mega contract and chose football over money. At that time, he stated, "If I wanted to go to Saudi Arabia, I wouldn't be here. I love football. Of course, money is important. But I dream of playing in the Premier League and still have a lot to do. After the pains of last season, I'm looking forward to this season."
This time, it's not impossible that Son Heung-min's mindset could change. The uncertainty of his future at Tottenham, coupled with the possibility of being marginalized in a new system, makes it a possibility.
If Son Heung-min achieves a long-held dream of winning at Tottenham, it could strengthen his desire to transfer. He has expressed that it has been his dream to leave the team as a legend after lifting a trophy while wearing the Tottenham jersey.
Finally, the opportunity has come. Tottenham will face Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final for the 2024-2025 season on the 22nd at Estadio San Mamés in Bilbao, Spain. Son Heung-min, who had missed a month due to a foot injury, has also completed his recovery. For Son, who has lost in the final twice so far, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for his first victory.
However, it is uncertain whether Son Heung-min will start. He played about 30 minutes against Crystal Palace and approximately 72 minutes against Aston Villa after his one-month absence due to a foot injury, but he is still not in 100% condition.
'The Athletic' stated, "Son Heung-min missed over a month due to a foot injury. He seemed lively in the first half of the Aston Villa game, which was his first return as a starter. However, he has been struggling this season, often slowing down his attacking pace," predicting the selection of speedy winger Wilson Odobert, born in 2004.
[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (Reproduction and redistribution prohibited), Talking THFC, OneFootball, Post United, BBC, Tottenham social media.
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