Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) has won his first title on the European stage, leading to evaluations that the optimal time to part ways with Tottenham is this summer.
The British media outlet The Guardian selected 10 players who may leave their teams this summer in the English Premier League (EPL) on the 24th (Korean time), mentioning Son Heung-min as the second player.
The outlet noted, "There is no more appropriate time for Son Heung-min and Tottenham to part than this summer," stating, "Son Heung-min has established himself as a legend of the team by bringing Tottenham its first trophy since 2008. It is now time for him to leave. The contract extension last January is likely a strategy for revenue from a transfer."
The keyword that followed Son Heung-min this season has been "aging curve." This is because his performance in the league has not been good. He has appeared in 30 EPL matches this season, scoring 7 goals. The prospect of achieving a consecutive double-digit goal tally in the league this season is virtually unattainable. Ange Postecoglou, the manager, announced on the 26th that Son Heung-min would miss the final match against Brighton due to a foot injury. The season has effectively concluded.
However, he played a leading role as captain in breaking the team's 17-year trophy drought. Tottenham secured the UEFA Europa League (UEL) title by defeating Manchester United on the 22nd.
Recently, Son Heung-min has been embroiled in transfer rumors involving Saudi Arabian clubs. The Guardian claimed, "Since Son Heung-min is the highest-paid player on the team, Tottenham may consider a new direction (a sale)." However, there are currently no leagues or teams in Saudi Arabia that are consolidated.
Son Heung-min's contract with Tottenham was extended by one year due to the option being activated in January, extending it until June 2026. From Tottenham's perspective, this summer is the last chance to sell Son Heung-min for a transfer fee. If the transfer does not materialize, he may have to be released as a free agent next summer.
A separation has not been confirmed. Given that Tottenham will participate in the UEFA Champions League next season, there remains the possibility that Son Heung-min could stay for the challenge at the European level.
In the list of potential transfer candidates mentioned by The Guardian, in addition to Son Heung-min, are Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa), Darwin Núñez, Andrew Robertson (both Liverpool), Kevin De Bruyne, Ederson (both Manchester City), Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea), Mohammed Kudus (West Ham), and Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United).
[OSEN]