Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) is a difficult decision. He is essential to the team, but a long-term contract is hesitatingly considered.
Tottenham defeated Manchester United 1-0 in the UEFA Europa League final for the 2024-2025 season held at Estadio San Mamés in Bilbao, Spain, on the 22nd (Korean time) to win the title.
Tottenham lifted a trophy for the first time in 17 years since the League Cup in 2008. Son Heung-min, who joined Tottenham in 2015, has finally ended a 10-year drought without a title. This is his first professional victory, including HSV and Bayer Leverkusen.
Once the victory was confirmed, Son Heung-min wrapped himself in the Korean flag and cheered. As the captain, he was the first to lift the trophy and celebrated with his Tottenham teammates. It was the most glamorous moment in Son Heung-min's football career.
After the match, Son Heung-min said, "I feel really great right now. Tottenham has not lifted a trophy for 17 years. It's taken a long time, and today is that day. I think I can now say that I am a legend of this club. It's only today! I want to enjoy this moment," as he showed tears.
With the Europa League win, Tottenham has secured a Champions League spot for next season. Son Heung-min's experience, which is strong in big games, is needed. Tottenham activated the one-year extension option with Son Heung-min in January. He will remain at Tottenham until 2026. The Tottenham season ends on the 26th. Given their Europa League victory, discussions about a contract renewal for legendary Son Heung-min are surfacing.
British outlet 'Football Inside' predicted, "With the Europa League title, Tottenham returns to the Champions League. There are growing expectations that Son Heung-min's experience will be a great help at Tottenham. Son Heung-min will continue with Tottenham next season."
The problem is that Tottenham is hesitant to offer Son Heung-min a long-term contract. This is because he is coming down from his prime. While he is indeed a legend who led the team to the Europa League victory, the club is hesitant about a long-term contract.
Tottenham is also considering a replacement for Son Heung-min. 'Football Inside' reports, "Tottenham is planning for a future without Son Heung-min by strengthening its squad with young players. Tottenham has its eye on Eberechi Eze (27, Crystal Palace) as a potential successor to Son Heung-min. Questions about Son Heung-min's future at Tottenham are arising."
'Football Inside' further pointed out, "It is clear that Son Heung-min did not have the best season. He did not start in the Europa League final due to a lack of form. Manager Ange Postecoglou was concerned about starting Son Heung-min, who has not played many matches."
It is still hard to imagine Tottenham without Son Heung-min. Tottenham must reward him with a contract gift, recognizing his contribution to the Europa League-winning squad.
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