Local media in the United Kingdom have noted the possibility of Son leaving the Premier League for the Middle East, stating that Tottenham could also make a decision depending on the situation.

The Sun reported on the 29th (Korean time) that "multiple clubs in the Saudi Arabian Professional League are seriously considering acquiring Son Heung-min," adding that "among Tottenham insiders, an atmosphere is forming where it cannot be ruled out that if a massive offer arrives, Son's transfer could be possible."

With Cristiano Ronaldo potentially leaving Al Nassr, major clubs in the Saudi Arabian League have identified Son Heung-min as a replacement. High-ranking officials at Saudi clubs are reportedly paying close attention to Son's immense recognition in Asia, evaluating that he could elevate the league's brand.

Saudi clubs initially pushed to acquire Liverpool's star striker Mohamed Salah, but after Salah decided to remain in the Premier League, they appear to have turned their interest to Son Heung-min.

Currently, Son has concluded the 2024-2025 season. This season, he participated in a total of 46 matches across all competitions, recording 11 goals and 12 assists. Specifically, he scored 7 goals in 30 Premier League matches, 3 goals in 10 Europa League matches, 1 goal in 4 League Cup matches, and did not record any goals or assists in 2 FA Cup matches.

From Son's career perspective, these are somewhat disappointing results. Notably, the single-digit goal tally for a season in the Premier League is the first since his first year with Tottenham in the 2015-2016 season. There have been continuous evaluations that his maximum weapons, speed and energy levels, did not maintain the same level as during his prime. Son will turn 33 years old this July.

Despite this, Son succeeded in harvesting one of the most valuable trophies of his personal career. Tottenham won the UEFA Europa League, and Son contributed to the team's victory by coming on as a substitute in the final. This marks the first trophy won on the European stage in 15 years since Son debuted in the German Bundesliga in the 2010-2011 season.

The Sun assessed that "Son has played a key attacking role for Tottenham for a long time. Although he achieved nearly double digits in both goals and assists this season, he could not avoid criticism as the whole team fell short of expectations."

It added, "Tottenham secured a ticket to return to the UEFA Champions League (UCL). This is a significant boost for the club's revenue, but at the same time, the club is also preparing for bold choices for team restructuring," noting that "the astronomical transfer fee that could result from Son's transfer may be used as rebuilding funds for the club next season."

Tottenham is preparing for a major reinforcement this summer, with generational change becoming a key topic. This is why interpretations have emerged that the rumors surrounding Son's transfer have moved beyond mere speculation. Depending on the level of the amount presented by Saudi clubs, there could be significant changes not only for Tottenham but also for Son.

As for the Saudi Arabian league, it is already expanding its global presence by signing world-renowned stars like Ronaldo, Benzema, and Neymar. If Son, who holds a unique influence in the East Asian market, joins, there are forecasts that the league's commercial value will rise sharply across Asia.

Son Heung-min's contract with Tottenham is still valid until the summer of 2026, but it seems that how he shares direction with the team will become clearer in future interviews and negotiations.

[OSEN]