The transfer rumors surrounding Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur) have reignited. This time, it is not just a matter of mere interest. Moreover, Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) has also emerged as a target for interest from Saudi Arabia.

The Sun reported on the 29th (Korean time) that "multiple clubs in the Saudi Arabian league have identified Son Heung-min as the successor to Cristiano Ronaldo and the new superstar to represent the league."

It was also reported that "as Mohamed Salah remains with Liverpool, Saudi Arabian club owners have shifted their focus to Son Heung-min as their top transfer target."

This situation increases the likelihood of a move, coinciding with recent rumors about Ronaldo's departure from Al Nassr. Son Heung-min is not just an ordinary top-class player; he is a brand representative of Asia and has solidified his position in Europe for a long time.

As Saudi Arabia begins to ramp up its "post-Ronaldo" marketing, Son Heung-min is at the center of it all.

The Sun noted that "if a massive offer arrives, Tottenham could well deliberate on it." Although Son Heung-min's contract has been extended until 2026 by exercising a one-year renewal option, it remains unclear what position he holds in the team's future plans. While Tottenham has secured a spot in the UEFA Champions League, alleviating immediate concerns, it's also true that funding will be necessary during the summer transfer market to reshape the squad.

Throughout this season, Son Heung-min has endured a period of injuries and poor form, alongside transfer rumors. He performed as a starter until the first half of the season but struggled after a foot injury, missing some time. Although he eventually celebrated his first major trophy on the European stage by winning the UEFA Europa League, both the team’s performance and his personal achievements in the league left much to be desired.

Amidst this, Son Heung-min is continuously being linked with PSG, Bayern Munich, and multiple clubs in Saudi Arabia. A move to Saudi Arabia could represent a noble "exit" at the peak of his career, or conversely, it could mean bidding farewell to the European stage. The issue is timing. This might be the "peak" of Son Heung-min's remaining European career, and it could also be his last opportunity to leave Europe.

Fernandes, like Son Heung-min, is also receiving calls of interest from Saudi Arabia. The Sun reported on the 31st that "Fernandes is seriously considering a transfer to Al Hilal. He may have already played his last game as a Manchester United player."

The proposals from Saudi Arabia are beyond imagination. According to multiple local media outlets in the UK, Al Hilal has reportedly offered 65 million pounds (112 billion won) to Bruno, along with a total three-year contract worth 200 million pounds (345 billion won). The transfer fee set for Manchester United is 100 million pounds (180 billion won). Al Hilal is said to want Bruno's decision by the end of May.

If Fernandes leaves, Manchester United will lose a key player. Since joining in the January 2020 transfer window, he quickly established himself as the team's ace. Moving between various positions, Fernandes has continued to perform consistently, this season also wearing the captain's armband and demonstrating his leadership. He recorded 19 goals and 17 assists in 52 official matches.

Saudi Arabia is at a turning point in restructuring the league brand. Having leveraged global superstar Ronaldo to expand its viewership and enhance commercial value, it is now at a juncture where it needs to find the next "face." With Salah declaring his intention to stay, Son Heung-min has emerged as the only alternative to fill that void.

Whether Son Heung-min will remain on the European elite stage to finish his career or become an icon leading the new era of Saudi Arabia remains to be seen. In the transfer market, the biggest variable is likely to be "Son Heung-min."

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