According to The Sun on the 29th (Korea time), "Saudi Arabian clubs have chosen Son Heung-min as a symbolic figure to succeed Cristiano Ronaldo" and "have identified Son as the top priority for recruitment instead of Mohamed Salah, who remained at Liverpool."
Saudi Arabia appears to have pinpointed Son as a key figure to enhance the league's commercial appeal and symbolism in preparation for the 'post-Ronaldo' era.
This could potentially be a proposal Tottenham cannot ignore. Son exercised a one-year extension option after the current season, extending his contract until 2026, but it is uncertain whether he is included in the club's core plans moving forward. Tottenham has survived an immediate crisis by securing a spot in the UEFA Champions League but now finds itself in need of financial flexibility ahead of the summer transfer market.
Son's season has been particularly tumultuous. Injuries, poor form, and multiple transfer rumors have disrupted a stable flow. He was sidelined for a while due to a foot injury mid-season and, even after his return, has not fully regained his previous explosive performance. Nevertheless, he achieved meaningful success by securing his first major trophy—the UEFA Europa League title—since debuting on the European stage.
In addition to Saudi Arabia, Son has been consistently linked with big clubs like Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Bayern Munich. However, a move to Saudi Arabia could signify not just a transfer but the opening of a new chapter in concluding his career. For someone who has experienced the pinnacle of European football, the Middle Eastern stage could offer both honor and rewards in a new challenge. In fact, some analyses suggest this may be his last opportunity.
In this context, Bruno Fernandes' name has also emerged at the center of transfer rumors to Saudi Arabia. The Sun reported on the 31st that "Fernandes is seriously considering a transfer to Al Hilal, and the recent game may have been the last stage wearing the Manchester United jersey." The contract conditions presented by the Saudi Arabian club are indeed shocking.
According to several local media, Al Hilal has offered Fernandes a total of £200 million (345 billion won) over three years, guaranteeing an annual salary of £65 million (112 billion won). This also includes a transfer fee of £10 million (18 billion won) for Manchester United. Reports suggest that Al Hilal has requested Fernandes' decision by the end of May.
If Fernandes chooses to transfer, Manchester United will lose a core player. Since joining the team in January 2020, Fernandes has acted as the ace and leader, becoming a backbone of the team. This season, wearing the captain's armband, he has participated in 52 official matches, recording 19 goals and 17 assists to serve as the focal point of Manchester United's offense.
Saudi Arabia is currently at a turning point for league rebranding. Having explosively increased the league's visibility led by Ronaldo, it now needs to find its next symbolic figure. With Salah deciding to stay, Son and Bruno have become key cards in the new "Super League project."
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