Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) is showing a clear decline in market value. According to the latest assessment released by Transfermarkt at the end of May, Son's estimated value has significantly dropped from €30 million (46.9 billion won) two months ago to €20 million (31.3 billion won). This amounts to a decrease of about 16 billion won, or 33%.
This decline in assessment is not merely a numerical issue. It is interpreted as an important signal that relates to Son's career turning point and Tottenham's financial strategy.
Son Heung-min will turn 33 in July. Having maintained a top-level performance on the European stage for a long time, he has not shown the same sustainability lately due to recent injuries and fitness management issues. In particular, this season, he has undergone rehabilitation three times due to a hamstring injury and an unknown foot injury, showing irregular participation and performance.
Until now, Son had recorded double-digit goals in the Premier League for eight consecutive seasons, but this season, he has scored only seven goals and has failed to maintain an upward trajectory. More concerning than the goal count itself is the decline in performance and the weakened presence in crucial moments.
The contract situation is also a variable. Son Heung-min has a contract with Tottenham until June 2026, but as of now, there has been no progress in renewal negotiations. From the club's perspective, the final opportunity to secure a transfer fee is approaching, and conversely, as time passes, the player's market value is bound to decline naturally.
Amid these circumstances, interest from Saudi Arabian clubs in Son Heung-min is re-emerging.
The Daily Telegraph reported on the 3rd (Korean time) that "Son Heung-min is one of the last core assets through which Tottenham can realize revenue in this summer transfer market," adding that "Saudi Arabian clubs have shown continuous interest, and this summer could be the right time for a transfer."
According to reports, Son Heung-min missed the last league match of the season due to injury and was also absent from Tottenham's announcement event for the 2024-2025 season uniform that was recently made public. Particularly noteworthy is that the player, who is a representative captain of the club, did not appear at this major promotional event, which has been considered unusual among local fans and officials.
Son Heung-min will be called up to the Korean national team this month for the second round of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup Asian qualifiers against Iraq and Kuwait. The national team is currently in a situation where securing just one more point will confirm their advancement to the finals, but Son is still in the process of recovering from his injury, and his participation remains uncertain.
The atmosphere within the club is also unstable. The status of manager Ange Postecoglou has not been settled, and Chairman Daniel Levy has not provided any follow-up announcements. Postecoglou recently mentioned, "My future is not something I can decide," indicating an uncertain stance regarding his position.
As various uncertainties intertwine, the possibility of Son Heung-min transferring is emerging as a realistic option.
The Daily Minor reported that "two years ago, Son Heung-min received a proposal from Saudi club Al Ittihad for a four-year contract worth £575,000 (1.07 billion won) per week."
This translates to an astronomical figure of £29.9 million (56.7 billion won) annually and £119.6 million (222.5 billion won) over the entire contract period.
Saudi Arabian clubs have already proposed shocking conditions to Son in the past and are currently reviewing the possibilities of acquiring him.
The Saudi side is considering not only the option of paying a transfer fee to bring Son Heung-min this summer but also a long-term strategy to acquire him as a free agent in 2026. In other words, even if no action is taken now, the possibility of Son heading to the Middle East within the next two years remains open.
[OSEN]