Tottenham considers selling Son Heung-min amid coach Postecoglou's uncertain future

It feels like everyone is being pushed out, literally.

ESPN, citing a report from Talksport on the 1st (Korean time), stated, "Son Heung-min has emerged as a target for several clubs in the Saudi Arabian professional league," adding, "Saudi clubs expect that signing Son will not only enhance the league's competitiveness but also serve as a stepping stone for entering new markets."

The Saudi professional league has already showcased its international presence by signing European star players like Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr). This time, they are aiming to enhance their influence in the Asian market by bringing in Asia's top star, Son Heung-min. On the 29th of last month, British media outlet The Sun also reported, "Saudi Arabian clubs are showing interest in signing Son Heung-min. Tottenham may consider selling him if a significant transfer fee is proposed."

Officials in Saudi football reportedly assessed, "Son Heung-min is an iconic figure in Korea. He is a suitable marketing resource for targeting the East Asian market." Son Heung-min was also a subject of interest from Saudi clubs last summer. According to U.S. media outlet CBS Sports, Al Ittihad proposed a transfer fee of $65 million (approximately 90.8 billion won) and a four-year contract worth €120 million (approximately 187.6 billion won) at that time. However, Son Heung-min chose to remain in England, expressing his desire to pursue titles.

Son Heung-min has previously expressed his stance regarding rumors of a transfer to the Saudi league. After a match against El Salvador in 2023, he recalled, "I remember my former teammate Ki Sung-yueng saying that 'the captain of the South Korean national team does not go to the Chinese league,'" and added, "There are still things left to achieve in the Premier League," indicating his refusal. The 'things left to achieve' were considered to be winning titles, especially since he had not experienced holding a trophy with his team at that time. However, his situation is different this season. Son Heung-min finally achieved his first title in the UEFA Europa League for the 2024-2025 season.

Son Heung-min, who will turn 33 in July, recorded 11 goals and 12 assists in 46 official matches this season. In the Premier League, he managed only 7 goals in 30 matches, marking the first time since joining in the 2015-2016 season that he stayed below double-digit goals. However, regardless of his individual performance, Son Heung-min secured his first career title in the UEFA Europa League.

The Sun noted, "While Son Heung-min remains a key player for Tottenham, his individual performance has not met expectations this season," asserting that the money generated from a potential sale should be used by Tottenham to prepare for next season's Champions League. Despite finishing 17th in the Premier League, Tottenham secured a Champions League ticket for next season as the titleholder of the UEFA Europa League. Some believe that Son Heung-min, who has done everything possible at Tottenham, now deserves a transfer. In the world of professional football, where money is also significant, the upcoming summer is seen as an opportune time for a departure.

Son Heung-min's contract with Tottenham was extended until June 2026 after the one-year extension option was activated on January 1. This summer could serve as a final opportunity for Tottenham to sell Son Heung-min and secure a hefty transfer fee. While there is also a winter transfer window, if he is not sold by then, they could let him go 'for free' next season.

It is reported that clubs such as Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, and Al Hilal, backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), want Son Heung-min. According to The Sun and ESPN, Tottenham is reluctant to sell Son Heung-min, but they are open to accepting a substantial offer if it comes. Additionally, Tottenham is considering dismissing head coach Ange Postecoglou.

Earlier, British outlet Football London reported on the 2nd (Korean time) that "Chairman Daniel Levy is contemplating the future of coach Postecoglou amid concerns over player backlash," stating, "Chairman Levy is in the final stages of deliberation on whether to continue with coach Postecoglou or dismiss him."

British outlet The Telegraph reported on the 1st that "Tottenham Hotspur plans to decide on coach Postecoglou's future next week," noting that "despite the UEFA Europa League title, his position within the club is extremely precarious." In fact, there is some opposition locally, but the process of dismissing coach Postecoglou is ongoing.

If Son Heung-min departs and coach Postecoglou is also dismissed, it would mean that Tottenham is letting go of all the key figures who delivered the club's first major trophy in 17 years. It remains to be seen whether Tottenham will make a money-driven decision that could dismantle their championship team and lead them down a slippery slope despite the title.

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