The hot interest from Saudi Arabia towards Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur) has been confirmed as a fact. It is still in the early stages, but it is reported that even light conversations have taken place.
European football transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano appeared on the global sports media 'DAZN' on the 7th (Korean time) and dealt with Son Heung-min's transfer rumor.
When the possibility of Son Heung-min's transfer to Saudi Arabia came up, he replied, "Such stories arise from the very good relationship between Son Heung-min's agent and the Saudi clubs. There have been conversations over the last few weeks. The Saudis are showing interest in him."
Romano also noted, "At this time, negotiations have not progressed. Tottenham has not received any official offers. It is still in the early stages. However, the interest from Saudi Arabia is a fact," adding, "We need to see how things unfold in the future. We also need to see who will be the next manager of Tottenham. The new manager may want to keep Son Heung-min as an 'untouchable' player in the squad."
Finally, he said, "Then Tottenham will try to keep Son Heung-min. He extended his contract by one year a few months ago. However, if Saudi clubs start to move, a lot could happen," emphasizing, "Son Heung-min remains an important leader in the locker room. With a new manager coming in and the Champions League ahead next season, players like Son Heung-min are needed. The interest from Saudi Arabia is certainly real."
Son Heung-min has undeniably risen to the ranks of Tottenham legends this season. He reached the top of the UEFA Europa League (UEL) in the 2024-2025 season, completing the final piece of his first trophy in his life. Additionally, he helped Tottenham break a 17-year trophy drought, becoming the first Asian captain in the club's history to lift a trophy.
Son Heung-min has firmly established himself as a 'living legend' of Tottenham. Since Tottenham was founded in 1882, there have only been three club captains, including Son Heung-min, who have lifted the UEL trophy. The past winners were Alan Mulryne in the 1971-1972 season and Steve Perryman in the 1983-1984 season, who won the predecessor of the UEL, the UEFA Cup.
However, it is still uncertain whether Son Heung-min will wear the Tottenham jersey in the Premier League next season. Currently, he is receiving interest from Saudi clubs supported by 'oil money'. Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, and Al Hilal, backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), are reported to want Son Heung-min.
U.S. 'ESPN' reported on the 31st of last month, "Tottenham's Son Heung-min is not only a talented player but is also a target for several Saudi Pro League teams looking to enter a new international market." It added, "The summer transfer window for the Saudi League will open on July 20. The 32-year-old South Korean international forward Son Heung-min is expected to be one of the main targets."
Son Heung-min's contract expires in the summer of 2026. For Tottenham, this summer marks the last opportunity to sell him and secure a transfer fee. As he turns 33 next month, some Tottenham fans argue that if they can receive a large sum, an elegant farewell should be considered.
In particular, there is a strong atmosphere surrounding Al Nassr's desire for Son Heung-min. The British 'The Sun' reported, "Son Heung-min could transfer to a number of clubs in the Saudi Pro League. According to sources, Tottenham is considering selling him if a significant offer comes in, noting that Al Nassr is eyeing Son Heung-min as the successor to Cristiano Ronaldo and has already begun practical recruitment efforts."
Al Ittihad also attempted to recruit Son Heung-min in the summer of 2023. According to sources including 'CBS Sports', Al Ittihad had prepared a transfer fee of $65 million (approximately 90 billion won) to offer to Tottenham. They also proposed a salary of €30 million (approximately 46.5 billion won) for him, totaling €120 million (approximately 186.1 billion won) over four years.
However, Son Heung-min's answer was 'NO'. He chose to remain at Tottenham and take on the new challenge with manager Ange Postecoglou. He mentioned the words of Ki Sung-yueng (FC Seoul), saying, "The captain of the South Korean national team does not go to China," while stating, "Right now, money is not important. It is important to play in the league I love."
Now the situation is different. As Son Heung-min is about to turn 33, he is entering the twilight of his career, and his recent injury history has noticeably increased. Contrary to expectations, he has not been able to sign an additional multi-year contract with Tottenham, leaving only one season remaining. Unlike two years ago, both Son Heung-min and Tottenham are now likely to be swayed by the temptation of oil money.
ESPN also pointed out that Saudi Arabia could lure Tottenham and Son Heung-min with overwhelming financial resources. The media reported, "The UEFA Europa League (UEL) champions Tottenham are reluctant to part ways with captain Son Heung-min. However, if Son Heung-min goes to Saudi Arabia, there is a good chance he will earn much more than he does in North London, putting him in a difficult position."
Tottenham's dismissal of manager Postecoglou could also impact Son Heung-min's future. The British 'Telegraph' reported, "Tottenham is facing a rebellion among players. Just 16 days after winning the Europa League, the brutal dismissal of Australian manager Postecoglou ignited the anger of Tottenham players."
The media stated, "Postecoglou's dismissal has angered many Tottenham players. Some players want to leave the team. According to sources, the next manager will face great difficulty in managing the fallen locker room," adding, "Son Heung-min has given the impression to some teammates and coaching staff that he might leave Tottenham this summer. Saudi Arabia has shown interest in him."
[Photo] Tottenham, OneFootball social media.
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