"Visiting Korea three times in four years."
George Sessions, a club reporter well-acquainted with Tottenham news, reported on the 5th (Korea time) that "Tottenham will visit Korea again this summer transfer window for their preseason," adding, "They are preparing more thoroughly as they are visiting the home country of their icon, 'captain' Son Heung-min."
ESPN cited a report from TalkSport on the 1st, stating that "Son Heung-min has become a target for several clubs in the Saudi Pro League," and noted, "Saudi clubs expect that signing Son Heung-min will not only enhance the competitiveness of the league but also serve as a stepping stone to explore new markets."
The Saudi Pro League has already showcased its international presence by signing world-class stars from Europe, such as Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr). This time, it aims to expand its influence in the Asian market by taking in the top star in Asia, Son Heung-min. On the 29th of last month, British media outlet The Sun also reported that "Saudi Arabian clubs are showing interest in signing Son Heung-min. Tottenham may consider selling him if a substantial transfer fee is proposed."
Sources within Saudi football reportedly evaluated, "Son Heung-min is a symbolic figure in Korea. He is a suitable marketing resource for targeting the East Asian market." Son Heung-min had received interest from Saudi clubs last summer as well. According to U.S. CBS Sports, Al Ittihad had proposed a transfer fee of $65 million (about 90.8 billion won) and a contract worth €120 million (about 187.6 billion won) over four years for Son Heung-min at that time. However, Son Heung-min chose to remain in England, emphasizing his desire for victory.
Son Heung-min had previously expressed his stance regarding rumors of a transfer to the Saudi league. After a match against El Salvador in 2023, he stated, "I remember what my teammate Ki Sung-yueng once said, that the captain of the South Korean national team does not go to the Chinese league," expressing his refusal by saying, "There are still things I need to accomplish in the Premier League." The 'things to accomplish' he mentioned were considered to be winning, as he had not yet experienced lifting a trophy with his team. However, his situation has changed this season. Son Heung-min finally achieved his first title in the UEFA Europa League during the 2024-2025 season.
Turning 33 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, marking his first single-digit goal tally since joining the club for the 2015-2016 season. Nevertheless, despite his personal performance, Son Heung-min achieved his first victory in the UEFA Europa League.
The Sun stated, "While Son Heung-min continues to play a central role for Tottenham, his personal performance this season has fallen short of expectations," arguing that the money generated from selling him should ensure Tottenham prepares diligently for the next season's Champions League. Despite finishing 17th in the Premier League, Tottenham secured a ticket to the next season's Champions League as the UEFA Europa League champion. With Son Heung-min having accomplished everything at Tottenham, there are opinions suggesting it's time for him to transfer. In the competitive professional world, the upcoming summer is perceived as an opportune moment for a parting.
Son Heung-min's contract with Tottenham was extended until June 2026 when the one-year extension option was activated on January 1. This summer may be essentially the last opportunity for Tottenham to sell Son Heung-min and secure a substantial transfer fee. There is also a winter transfer window, but if he is not sold by the next season, they may have to let him go "for free."
It is reported that Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, and Al Hilal, backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), are interested in Son Heung-min. Ultimately, the decision regarding whether Son Heung-min will be sold rests with Tottenham. Although the player has consistently shown affection for the team, given the ongoing instability within the team, there is a high probability that his transfer could occur regardless of his wishes.
However, the club is not easily inclined to respond to Saudi's overtures. Sessions explained, "Son Heung-min has relatively suffered from injury issues last season. He scored only 11 goals, the lowest since his debut season," adding, "Nevertheless, Tottenham sees Son Heung-min as their iconic captain."
Sessions noted, "Despite Saudi's interest, Tottenham is not easily inclined to respond. It would be foolish to suggest selling Son Heung-min just to reduce wages, unless they receive a massive transfer fee." He pointed out, "Tottenham is even preparing to return to Korea for their summer preseason, marking their third visit in four years."
Indeed, Tottenham will visit Korea again in the summer. They have consistently profited immensely from their tours in Korea over the past four years. Sessions emphasized, "Son Heung-min's global stature provides the club with significant commercial value. The tour is part of that effort."
[OSEN]