Interest from Saudi Arabia in Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur) has resurfaced. Saudi Arabian clubs that had targeted Mohamed Salah of Liverpool are shifting their focus to Son Heung-min, and it is analyzed that Tottenham also considers this summer as the last opportunity for a sale.

The Sun reported on the 29th (Korean time) that "several clubs in Saudi Arabia are setting their sights on Son Heung-min as their next acquisition target, and there is a high possibility that Tottenham will consider a transfer if they receive a substantial offer." According to the report, as there are predictions that Cristiano Ronaldo from Al Nassr may leave the league, Son Heung-min has been identified as a candidate to succeed him.

The Saudi side reportedly evaluated Son Heung-min as the optimal figure to target the East Asian market, considering his symbolism in Korea and his fandom across Asia. Initially, Salah was Saudi Arabia's top priority, but attention shifted to Son Heung-min as Liverpool managed to retain him.

Son Heung-min will turn 33 years old this July. Once regarded as one of the world's top wingers, he still exerts influence within the team, but there are evaluations that he is gradually showing limitations in stamina and speed. In the 2024-2025 season, he made 46 appearances in official matches, scoring 11 goals and providing 12 assists. In the Premier League, he scored 7 goals in 30 matches, marking the first season since his debut year with Tottenham (2015-2016 season) in which he finished with single-digit league goals.

However, it is difficult to define Son Heung-min's season based solely on individual performance. He led the team to the top of the UEFA Europa League and raised his first trophy in Europe after 15 years on the continental stage, marking a significant milestone in his career. Tottenham has also placed him among the club legends, achieving their long-standing desire to win a European competition trophy.

Yet behind this emotional triumph exist practical challenges. The Sun reported that "Son Heung-min is still utilized as a key player, but the entire team has underperformed, and Tottenham is seriously considering his transfer to secure financial flexibility despite qualifying for the UEFA Champions League (UCL)." It is explained that the transfer fee that could be secured through Son Heung-min could be used as a funding source for team rebuilding.

Saudi Arabia had already tried to acquire Son Heung-min last year. According to CBS Sports, at that time, Al Ittihad offered Son Heung-min about $65 million (90.8 billion won) in transfer fees along with a four-year total of €120 million (187.6 billion won). However, Son Heung-min politely declined the offer, saying, "Money is important, but football is more important."

Now, the situation is different. Son Heung-min's contract extension option was activated in January of this year, extending his contract with Tottenham until the summer of 2026. However, from Tottenham's perspective, there is a risk that he could leave as a free agent next summer. Thus, this summer represents practically "the last chance" to part ways with him for a reasonable transfer fee.

Internal conditions at Tottenham also add variables. Coach Ange Postecoglou delivered a valuable result with the Europa League title, but the Premier League performance showed a shocking result of 17th place. This marks the worst league performance in Tottenham's history since 1977, and reports suggest that there is increasing concern over his future within the club.

Graham Bailey from TBR Football noted that "Son Heung-min's future is closely linked to the decisions of the next coach," adding that "Tottenham is closely monitoring Saudi Arabia's interest in Son Heung-min, and the possibility of a transfer remains open."

If Tottenham pushes for team rebuilding with a new manager, it cannot be ruled out that the collaboration with Son Heung-min will come to an end. Conversely, if Son Heung-min stays, he may finish his career twilight as Tottenham's "last emperor."

[OSEN]