Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) is facing mixed reactions in the UK regarding his future. While there is an opinion that this upcoming summer is the right time for sale, there are also claims forecasting his retention.
The British media outlet The Guardian reported on the 24th (Korean time) that Son Heung-min was mentioned second among ten players who could leave their teams in the English Premier League (EPL) this summer.
The media noted, "There is no more appropriate time for a separation between Son Heung-min and Tottenham than this summer. Son Heung-min has established himself as a team legend by bringing Tottenham its first trophy since 2008. Now is the right time to leave. The contract extension in January is likely a strategy for revenue from a transfer."
This season, the keyword associated with Son Heung-min has been "aging curve." This is because his performance in the league has not been good. He has recorded 7 goals in 30 EPL matches this season.
However, Son Heung-min has taken the lead in breaking the team's 17-year trophy drought as captain. Tottenham secured the UEFA Europa League (UEL) title by defeating Manchester United on the 22nd.
As the UEL champion, Tottenham returns to the UEFA Champions League (UCL) stage, from which it was eliminated in the Round of 16 in the 2022-2023 season.
Recently, Son Heung-min has been embroiled in transfer rumors regarding a Saudi Arabian club. The Guardian argued, "Since Son Heung-min is the highest-paid player on the team, Tottenham may consider a new direction (sale)." However, there is currently no league or team linked to him outside Saudi Arabia.
Son Heung-min has an automatic one-year extension option triggered in January, extending his contract with Tottenham until June 2026. For Tottenham, this summer represents the last opportunity to sell Son Heung-min for a transfer fee. If a transfer does not materialize, he may have to be released as a free agent next summer.
Another British media outlet, Football Insider, provided a different story from The Guardian.
The media reported on the 24th, "After examining the possibility of Son Heung-min's transfer, Tottenham has decided to keep him on the team. Despite disappointing results, the club recognizes Son Heung-min's value," indicating a decision for retention.
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