After spending 10 years at Tottenham, Son Heung-min (32) may now be at the point of preparing to say goodbye. Observations suggest that now, while holding the championship trophy, is the most beautiful moment for parting.

On the 24th (Korean time), The Guardian mentioned Son Heung-min's name in a feature article titled '10 players who could leave the Premier League this summer.'

The Guardian noted, 'Son Heung-min has always been a symbolic figure for Tottenham, and he has now become a true legend by finally breaking the club’s 17-year title drought,' and added, 'However, his performance this season has been significantly below par compared to previous years, and the extended contract may have been a mechanism for the club to protect his value.'

Tottenham extended Son Heung-min’s contract until 2026 last January. However, this was not a renewal but rather an option exercise, and The Guardian interpreted this as a 'transfer fee protection' contract.

The Guardian reported, 'Interest from Saudi Arabian clubs remains valid,' and added that Son Heung-min's absence from the starting lineup in the Europa League final, despite being captain, and his mediocre performance of 7 goals in 30 league games suggest the possibility of separation.

In particular, it emphasized, 'While fans will regret Son Heung-min's departure, this is now the most natural time for both sides to part ways,' hinting that a separation with such a symbolic player during Tottenham's transition period might be inevitable.

The Guardian identified several other players whose futures are also uncertain, including Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Martinez (Aston Villa), Darwin Núñez, Andrew Robertson (both Liverpool), Kevin De Bruyne and Ederson (both Manchester City), Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea), Mohammed Kudus (West Ham), and Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United).

In fact, Son Heung-min's season contains a narrative of extremes. In the league, he has only managed 7 goals and 10 assists, missing out on a double-digit goal tally for the ninth consecutive season. Although the final match against Brighton remains, his participation is also uncertain.

Of course, the twist at the end of the season was remarkable. After defeating Manchester United and lifting the Europa League trophy, Son Heung-min embraced his first championship trophy in 10 years wearing a Tottenham jersey. This also marks his first major trophy since making his professional debut in Hamburg, Germany, in 2010.

Thus, Son Heung-min has now become a player who has 'achieved enough' at Tottenham. If this title had not been won, there would have been more regrets upon leaving, but now he can depart to applause. The Tottenham club also recognizes that Son Heung-min's contract ends next summer, making this summer the only opportunity for a transfer fee recovery. If there are no plans for an extension, a decision will need to be made soon.

David Ornstein, a British transfer market expert, said, 'Given recent trends, no one would be surprised if Tottenham chose to part ways with Son Heung-min. It could now be seen as a logical choice.'

However, all this discussion is still distant from Son Heung-min's own feelings. He is still relishing the aftermath of the victory. Immediately after the final, he celebrated by honking the car horn from the front seat of the team bus while facing the fans, and continued to display his joy by wearing the medal around his neck up to the following day. In front of the fans, he honked the horn in rhythm with 'Dae~Han Min-guk,' bringing smiles to those around him.

During the victory parade, he did not hide his emotions. He shouted cheers in succession along with the chants and also shared a photo of him biting the medal with Tottenham staff. For Son Heung-min, this victory meant more than just a trophy; it was the culmination of a decade devoted to the team.

[OSEN]