Local reports have indicated that 'captain' Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) took it upon himself to prevent the departures of Cristian Romero and Rodrigo Bentancur.
Tottenham Hotspur News reported on the 3rd (Korean time) that “Son Heung-min is persuading the two key players to remain.”
It continued, “Although Son Heung-min is somewhat at odds with Tottenham's philosophy known as the 'Hotspur Way,' he could become a central figure for the team next season,” adding that “he finally lifted a trophy 10 years after entering North London, overcoming Manchester United to reach the pinnacle of the Europa League.”
It added, “Despite these achievements, the club is now keeping open the possibility of re-evaluating its relationship with Son Heung-min, who has passed his prime at age 32. If he transfers, Tottenham might secure their final revenue as the cost of departure.”
There are also projections that if Son Heung-min leaves, the captaincy could return to Romero. Both Romero and Bentancur are reportedly possible to transfer this summer, and especially, Atlético Madrid's interest in the two players is a variable.
Tottenham Hotspur News analyzed that “if two players, who are the key figures in winning the Europa League and should be at the center of the club's future projects, were to leave, Tottenham would have to endure a significant loss of strength.”
In this context, John Wenham, who is well-versed in Tottenham's internal information, noted through Tottenham Hotspur News that “if Son Heung-min leaves the team through the summer transfer market, Romero could be appointed as the new captain. In that case, he might have motivation to stay at Tottenham,” adding that “Son Heung-min and Ben Davies are close, and Son Heung-min's departure could also impact Davies's decision to remain. This is a situation where everything is interconnected like a puzzle.”
It added, “Romero also has a special relationship with Bentancur. If Romero stays with the team, Bentancur may decide to stay for that reason. The relationships among players significantly influence decisions regarding the club's future.”
Meanwhile, Wenham forecasted that the future of manager Postecoglou could also have a significant impact on the status of key players. He said, “Postecoglou led the team to victory in the Europa League last season and has the absolute trust of the players,” adding that “he didn't just bring a trophy; he moved the hearts of the squad. Respect for such a manager cannot be bought with money. If he leaves Tottenham in the summer, more departures could happen, not just for Romero and Bentancur.”
Ultimately, the movements of Son Heung-min, Romero, Bentancur, and manager Postecoglou are not independent issues but are interconnected within a closely related system.
[OSEN]