Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur) achieved his first victory with the team. Now, attention is focused on his future.
ESPN reported on the 1st (Korean time), citing Talksport, that 'Son Heung-min has emerged as a target for multiple clubs in the Saudi Arabian Professional League.'
Saudi clubs expect to enhance league competitiveness and explore new markets with the acquisition of Son Heung-min.
The Saudi Professional League has already elevated its international status by signing top European stars like Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr). By bringing in Asia's top star Son Heung-min, it aims to expand its influence in the Asian market.
Previously, on the 29th of last month, the British media The Sun also reported that 'Saudi clubs are showing interest in acquiring Son Heung-min. Tottenham may consider selling him if a substantial transfer fee is proposed.'
It is reported that Saudi football officials have evaluated, 'Son Heung-min is a symbolic figure in Korea. He is a suitable marketing asset for targeting the East Asian market.'
Son Heung-min was also the subject of interest from Saudi Arabia last summer. At that time, Al Ittihad reportedly offered a transfer fee of $65 million (approximately 90.8 billion won) and a four-year salary of €120 million (approximately 187.6 billion won), but Son Heung-min chose to stay in England, citing his desire for a championship.
Son Heung-min has previously expressed his stance regarding rumors of a transfer to the Saudi League. After the 2023 A-match against El Salvador, he stated, 'I remember when (Ki) Sung-yueng said that 'the captain of the South Korean national team does not go to the Chinese league.' He said, 'There is still work to be done in the Premier League.'
What Son Heung-min referred to as 'work to be done' was interpreted as winning a championship. In fact, he had not lifted a trophy with his team until that point. However, in the 2024-2025 season, Son Heung-min finally reached the pinnacle of the UEFA Europa League.
Son Heung-min recorded 11 goals and 12 assists in 46 official matches this season. In the Premier League, he scored 7 goals in 30 matches, marking his first time finishing with single-digit goals since his debut. However, by winning the UEFA Europa League, he lifted his first career trophy, separate from his personal statistics.
The Sun stated, 'Although Son Heung-min continues to play a key role for Tottenham, his personal statistics have fallen short of expectations,' and 'Tottenham needs to prepare for the Champions League using the funds generated from potentially selling him.'
Tottenham finished the season in 17th place in the Premier League, but secured a Champions League ticket for next season as the UEFA Europa League champions.
There are opposing views. The Tottenham news outlet Spurs Web reported on the 3rd that 'captain Son Heung-min may leave the team this summer, but he could still play one more season at Tottenham.' The basis for Spurs Web's opinion is the belief that Son Heung-min's experience in the UEFA Champions League is necessary for Tottenham.
Son Heung-min's contract with Tottenham was extended until June 2026 after the activation of a one-year extension option in January.
From Tottenham's perspective, this summer may be virtually the last opportunity to sell Son Heung-min and secure a substantial transfer fee. Of course, there is the winter transfer window, but if a sale does not occur by then, he will have to be transferred for free after the contract expires.
The summer transfer window for the Saudi league opens on July 20.
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