Find the new face of the league.
ESPN reported on the 1st (Korea time), citing TalkSport, that "Son Heung-min has emerged as a target for several clubs in the Saudi Arabian Professional League," and noted that "Saudi clubs expect Son's acquisition to strengthen the league's competitiveness as well as serve as a bridge for new market development."
The Saudi Professional League has already signed superstars from Europe, such as Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr), showcasing its international presence. This time, it aims to expand its influence in the Asian market by adding Son Heung-min, the best star in Asia. Last month on the 29th, British media The Sun also reported that "Saudi Arabia clubs are showing interest in acquiring Son Heung-min. Tottenham may consider selling him if a substantial transfer fee is proposed."
Saudi football officials are reportedly evaluating, "Son Heung-min is an iconic figure in Korea. He is a suitable marketing resource for targeting the East Asian market." Son Heung-min also received interest from Saudi clubs 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. However, Son chose to remain in England, expressing his desire to pursue victory.
Son Heung-min has previously expressed his stance regarding transfer rumors to the Saudi league. After the A-match against El Salvador in 2023, he stated, "I remember the time when (Ki) Sung-yueng, my senior, said that 'the captain of the South Korean national team does not go to the Chinese league,'" expressing his intention to decline by noting that there are still things to be done in the Premier League.
The "things to be done" he mentioned were seen as achieving victory. At that time, he had not experienced lifting a trophy with his team. However, his situation is different this season. Son Heung-min finally reached the top of the UEFA Europa League in the 2024-2025 season.
Turning 33 years old in July, Son Heung-min recorded 11 goals and 12 assists in 46 official matches this season. In the Premier League, he scored only 7 goals in 30 matches. This marks the first time since joining in the 2015-2016 season that he has stayed in single digits for goals scored. However, apart from personal stats, Son achieved his first career victory in the Europa League.
The Sun noted, "While Son Heung-min remains a key player for Tottenham, his individual performance this season has not met expectations," arguing that the money from selling him should be used for Tottenham to adequately prepare for next season's Champions League.
Despite finishing 17th in the Premier League, Tottenham secured a Champions League ticket for the next season as the winner of the Europa League. There are opinions that Son Heung-min, who has done everything at Tottenham, can now transfer. As money is crucial in the professional world, this summer is considered a suitable time for departure.
Son Heung-min's contract with Tottenham was extended until June 2026 after the January extension option was activated. This summer may be the last opportunity for Tottenham to sell Son and collect a hefty transfer fee. While there is also a winter transfer market, if they do not sell him by next season, they will have to let him go "for free."
In addition to Son Heung-min, Saudi clubs are also targeting Bruno Fernandes, the captain of Manchester United. In Fernandes's case, he is closer to a transfer than Son. Following Manchester United's defeat in the Europa League final, rumors of his sale have surged.
If the Saudi league manages to acquire both Son Heung-min and Fernandes simultaneously, it may create a sensational shock akin to when they signed Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar as the league fully develops. It remains to be seen what choices the captains of Manchester United and Tottenham will make in response to the enormous investment proposal from Saudi Arabia.
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