Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham)'s future is drawing mixed evaluations from within Tottenham and local media in England. Despite the achievement of winning the UEFA Europa League, the captain's status remains a point of contention.

Reports continue that Son Heung-min, the captain of Tottenham Hotspur, will stay in London next season. On the 27th (Korea time), 'Spurs Web,' which reports on Tottenham news, stated that 'after the confirmation of returning to the UEFA Champions League (UCL), Tottenham has firmly established a policy to keep Son Heung-min.' This follows the exercise of a one-year extension option for Son Heung-min, whose contract was set to expire at the end of this season. Accordingly, Son Heung-min will wear the Tottenham jersey until June 2026.

Not all opinions are favorable. Some media outlets are suggesting the possibility of Son Heung-min's release, citing his declining performance and high salary as reasons. In particular, Spurs Web recently reported that 'Son Heung-min is a legend for Tottenham, but this season he has not been as aggressive as in the past,' and assessed that 'offering a renewal solely based on respect is not a wise business decision.'

Additionally, they mentioned Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma, Cristian Romero, Mikey Moore, and Pedro Porro as five players whose contract renewals are urgent, excluding Son Heung-min.

Despite Tottenham lifting the historic UEFA Europa League trophy for the first time in 17 years, Son Heung-min was not included in the starting lineup for the final. In response, Football Insider analyzed that 'this season has not been Son Heung-min's best season. The exclusion from the starting lineup is likely due to his declining performance.' Nevertheless, it also noted that 'Son Heung-min still has a role as captain within the team,' and predicted that 'Tottenham would want to keep experienced players ahead of the Champions League.'

In fact, Son Heung-min was substituted in during the second half of the final, contributing to the team through pressing and defensive efforts, and the scene of him lifting the trophy as the captain at the awards ceremony became iconic. The club also posted on social media that 'Son Heung-min is a recognized legend of Tottenham,' sharing photos of him alongside the main players from the UEFA Cup victories in 1972 and 1984.

Some quarters are suggesting the possibility of parting ways with Son Heung-min as a realistic alternative. The Guardian reported that 'the extension of Son Heung-min's contract could simply be a strategy to maintain his transfer market value. There is an offer from a Saudi Arabian club, and the club might consider releasing their highest-paid player.' It emphasized that 'while backlash from fans is inevitable, this summer could be an opportune time for both parties to part ways.'

'Hotspur HQ' expressed a similar position. 'Son Heung-min's performance in the second half declined due to the impact of injuries, yet he played a pivotal role in the team's victory after his return. A Saudi club has offered a transfer fee of €50 million (approximately 78.8 billion won), which could allow Tottenham to finance the introduction of younger players,' it analyzed. However, it also mentioned that 'Son Heung-min's records are not worse than those of other players, and he could regain his form under a better tactical system,' indicating that the club is planning for Son Heung-min's retention.

Ultimately, the decision on whether to renew Son Heung-min's contract with Tottenham is not a simple choice. Between the symbolism of being a 'legend' and the reality of club operations, Tottenham must make a complex decision. After 17 years of waiting, Son Heung-min lifted the trophy, and Tottenham fans are focused on his next steps.

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