Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur) has been mentioned as a potential transfer target if he receives a mega offer from a Saudi Arabian club this summer.
The British 'The Sun' reported on the 29th (Korea time) that 'Saudi clubs have placed Son Heung-min on their list of acquisition targets. Tottenham may consider selling if a significant transfer fee offer is made.'
According to the media, Saudi clubs have marked Son Heung-min as a replacement resource in case Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr leaves the league. Initially, the top target was Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), but interest shifted to Son Heung-min after Salah chose to remain.
Saudi football officials have reportedly evaluated that 'Son Heung-min is an iconic player who has national support in Korea. He is also an ideal candidate from a marketing perspective aimed at the East Asian market.'
Son Heung-min will turn 33 years old this July. Signs of a decline in performance have been detected. He has scored 11 goals and provided 12 assists in 46 official matches this season. In the Premier League, he managed only 7 goals in 30 matches, marking his first single-digit goal tally since joining Tottenham in the 2015-2016 season (4 goals).
However, despite the team's performance, Son Heung-min achieved a significant milestone by winning the UEFA Europa League. He lifted a trophy for the first time in 15 seasons since his European debut in the 2010-2011 season.
'The Sun' analyzed that 'Son Heung-min consistently contributed to attacking points this season, but he did not meet expectations alongside the entire team.'
It also projected, 'Even though they secured a Champions League qualification, a significant transfer fee resulting from Son Heung-min's transfer could help bolster Tottenham's squad.'
Son Heung-min also attracted interest from Saudi Arabia last summer. According to U.S. 'CBS Sports,' at that time, Al Ittihad offered a transfer fee of $65 million (approximately 90.8 billion won) and a contract worth €120 million (approximately 187.6 billion won) over four years for Son Heung-min.
However, Son Heung-min chose to remain with Tottenham to complete the 'trophy puzzle.'
Ultimately, Son Heung-min achieved his dream. He lifted the UEFA Europa League trophy this season, attaining his coveted first career win.
Saudi teams, who have been closely monitoring his situation, are expected to once again actively pursue Son Heung-min's acquisition.
Son Heung-min's contract with Tottenham was extended to June 2026 when the one-year extension option was triggered this January. For Tottenham, this summer may be the last opportunity to sell Son Heung-min for a transfer fee. If not sold before the contract expires, he could potentially become a free agent next summer.
Meanwhile, Graham Bailey of 'TBR Football' noted on the 20th that 'Son Heung-min is still receiving love calls from Saudi clubs. His future will depend on the characteristics of the next head coach.'
Despite winning the UEFA Europa League this season, Tottenham remained in 17th place in the Premier League. Head coach Ange Postecoglou delivered a trophy to the club after 17 years, but he is reportedly facing the possibility of being dismissed due to poor league performance.
Tottenham is already keen on securing a winger who can fill Son Heung-min's role.
British media 'Sky Sports' reported on the 30th (Korea time) that 'Tottenham is willing to pay around £55 million (approximately 110.7 billion won) to acquire Southampton prospect winger Tyler Dibling (19).' The transfer fee is £20 million higher than the £35 million first proposed by Tottenham.
It is rare to spend over 100 billion won on a young player, which is why this transfer rumor is drawing attention.
Dibling is one of the standout players at Southampton this season. He is a left-footed winger known for his quick breakthroughs and space penetration. This season, he has appeared in 38 matches across all competitions, scoring 4 goals and providing 3 assists.
Tottenham attempted to acquire Dibling last January. At that time, 'BBC' reported that Tottenham offered £35 million (approximately 64.8 billion won). However, they were rejected. Southampton, engaged in a relegation battle, maintained that they absolutely could not sell a key winger.
However, after confirming that the love call was not exclusive to Tottenham, Southampton set Dibling's price at £100 million (approximately 185.1 billion won). Nevertheless, criticism arose regarding the exorbitant price, and ultimately, a realistic transfer fee of £55 million was reassessed.
Tottenham is focusing on acquiring young and immediately impactful resources ahead of the 2024-2025 season. Despite finishing in a disappointing 17th place in the Premier League, the club secured a Champions League qualification for the next season through their UEFA Europa League victory. This has positioned them advantageously in terms of financial power and player attractiveness in the summer transfer market, prompting an immediate commencement of Dibling's acquisition efforts.
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