'Captain' Son Heung-min (Tottenham) is once again surrounded by transfer rumors. With the team's unstable performance throughout the season, injury issues, and the club's ambiguous stance, Son's future is at a crossroads this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur News reported on the 18th (Korea time) that Tottenham appears to have discussed the potential release of Son after contacting representatives from Saudi Arabia. Tottenham Hotspur News explained that "Son has not shown a distinct presence this season and is gradually falling behind in competition with younger talents."

In fact, this season, Son Heung-min recorded 7 goals and 9 assists in the Premier League. While these numbers are not bad, they are somewhat disappointing compared to previous seasons where he consistently maintained double-digit scoring in the league. In particular, as the team fell into the lower ranks, his weight as a captain diminished, and he suffered a lengthy absence due to a foot injury in the latter half of the season.

Interest from Saudi Arabia remains valid. In the summer of 2023, Al-Ittihad attempted to sign Son by offering a total of €120 million (187.8 billion won), but Son declined, stating, "I want to challenge more in football." However, unlike last time, the atmosphere is different this summer.

Tottenham is one year away from the expiration of Son's contract, but the club has only exercised the short-term extension option in January, with no significant movement regarding a long-term contract. This interpretation suggests that Son is not classified as an essential resource in the club's mid- to long-term plan.

Graham Bailey of TBR Football analyzed, "Whether Son remains will depend on the philosophy of the new manager." With ongoing speculation about the dismissal of current coach Ange Postecoglou, it is said that Son's position may also be fluid depending on the tactical plans and player preferences of the successor.

Several local media outlets report that Saudi Arabian clubs continue to contact Son’s camp, and there are predictions that "this summer, he may not firmly reject offers as he did last time."

Amidst the spread of such rumors, Son Heung-min himself has not disclosed any position. Currently, his only focus is on the upcoming UEFA Europa League final.

Tottenham will face Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final in Bilbao, Spain, on the 22nd. Son recently played about 30 minutes as a substitute in his return match against Crystal Palace and played 74 minutes as a starter against Aston Villa, regaining match fitness.

After the match, Son said briefly, "I feel heavy, but it's enough to prepare for the final." This was his first match nearly at full time since returning, and it is interpreted as a positive signal for a starting position in the final.

Coach Postecoglou also assessed, "Son is ready. He is an essential figure for us, whether on the pitch or from the bench." The club also revealed scenes of Son’s training and travel first through official social media, indirectly highlighting that he is a key resource for the final.

For Son Heung-min, this final carries significance beyond just a match. He has participated in the UCL final in 2019 and the EFL Cup final in 2021, but he finished as a runner-up both times and has yet to lift a trophy since his professional debut.

This UEFA Europa League final could be seen as a practically last opportunity to secure a championship on the European stage.

SpursWeb analyzed, "Son Heung-min is already one of the greatest players in Tottenham's history. However, if he lifts the European competition trophy as a captain, he will remain a living legend of Tottenham."

Ultimately, Son Heung-min's future will likely be clarified following the final and the potential hiring of a new manager. If Postecoglou remains, there is a high possibility that Son will also stay, but if Tottenham appoints a new head coach, it could lead to a general overhaul of the squad.

[OSEN]