Korean star Son Heung-min faces uncertain future amid Saudi interest, fans urge retention

Could Son Heung-min (33) be ending his 10-year journey with Tottenham Hotspur? Local sentiment strongly desires his retention.

The British outlet 'Football London' noted on the 5th (Korean time) that "Tottenham captain Son Heung-min is being linked to leaving North London amid interest from the Saudi Arabian Pro League," shedding light on Son's future.

Son Heung-min has undoubtedly ascended to the ranks of Tottenham legends this season. He achieved his first championship trophy by reaching the pinnacle of the UEFA Europa League (UEL) for the 2024-2025 season. In addition, he helped Tottenham escape its trophy drought for the first time in 17 years and became the first Asian captain in the club's history to lift a trophy.

Son Heung-min has recently emerged as a true 'living legend' of Tottenham. Since the club's founding in 1882, there have been only three club captains, including Son Heung-min, who have lifted the UEL trophy. The previous ones were Alan Mullery in the 1971-1972 season and Steve Perryman in the 1983-1984 season, who won in the precursor to the UEL, the UEFA Cup.

Son Heung-min has become the third player in Tottenham's history to be listed among the glorious captains. Tottenham also posted images on the club's social media showing Mullery, Perryman, and Son Heung-min with the trophy, stating, "Son Heung-min has joined the elite group of Tottenham captains who have lifted a European competition trophy. A recognized Tottenham legend."

Nevertheless, Son Heung-min's future at Tottenham remains uncertain. There is no guarantee that he will continue in the Tottenham jersey for an 11th season next year.

Currently, Son Heung-min is attracting interest from Saudi Arabian clubs backed by 'oil money.' Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, and Al Hilal, supported by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), are reportedly interested in him. Recently, 'Talk Sport' reported, "Tottenham's Son Heung-min is not only an excellent player coming to the league but has also become a target for several teams in the Saudi Pro League that seek to enter a new international market."

The media added, "The Saudi League summer transfer market opens on July 20. The 32-year-old South Korean national team striker Son Heung-min is expected to be one of the targets." According to outlets like 'The Sun,' Tottenham is also reluctant to sell Son Heung-min, but they would consider it if a huge offer comes in.

Son Heung-min's contract expires in the summer of 2026. For Tottenham, this summer represents the last opportunity to sell him and secure a transfer fee. As he approaches 33 years of age next month, some Tottenham fans argue that if they can receive a substantial amount, it would be better for him to part ways beautifully.

Among all the clubs, Al Nassr is mentioned as a strong potential destination. The British outlet 'The Sun' stated, "Son Heung-min may have the possibility of transferring to multiple clubs in the Saudi Pro League. According to sources, Tottenham is considering selling him if a substantial offer comes in," adding, "Al Nassr is focusing on Son Heung-min as a successor to Cristiano Ronaldo. They are already engaged in practical acquisition efforts."

The British outlet 'Daily Mail' also reported that Son Heung-min has been spotted on Al Nassr's radar and is being discussed as the ideal replacement for Ronaldo. Now, it is reported that Tottenham is open to listening to offers from Saudi Arabia.

Currently, there are rising expectations that Al Nassr may part ways with Ronaldo. Ronaldo's contract with the team expires at the end of this month, but he has not yet signed a renewal. He hopes to participate in the FIFA 2025 Club World Cup, which will take place this month, leading to rumors of potential moves to other teams like Al Hilal that secured entry.

Al Ittihad also attempted to recruit Son Heung-min in the summer of 2023. According to outlets like 'CBS Sports,' at that time, Al Ittihad was prepared to offer a transfer fee of $65 million (approximately 90 billion won) to Tottenham. The salary they proposed to Son Heung-min was €30 million (approximately 46.5 billion won), reaching a total of €120 million (approximately 186.1 billion won) over four years.

At that time, Son Heung-min chose to remain in the Premier League. He opted to stay at Tottenham and face a new challenge with coach Ange Postecoglou. He mentioned the words of Ki Sung-yueng (FC Seoul), stating, "The captain of the South Korean national team does not go to China," and he drew a line saying, "Right now, money is not important. What matters is playing in a league that I love."

Now the situation is different. With Son Heung-min approaching 33 years of age, he is entering the twilight of his career, and his recent injury history has noticeably increased. Unlike two years ago, both Son Heung-min and Tottenham are now quite susceptible to the temptations of oil money, with only one year remaining on his contract.

The U.S. outlet 'ESPN' also noted that Saudi Arabia could tempt Tottenham and Son Heung-min with overwhelming financial power. The outlet stated, "Tottenham, the UEFA Europa League (UEL) champions, is reluctant to part with captain Son Heung-min. However, Son Heung-min faces a difficult decision because if he goes to Saudi Arabia, he could earn substantially more than he does in North London."

Ultimately, Son Heung-min must make a choice. Alasdair Gold, a reporter for 'Football London,' stated that "For Son Heung-min, who once felt no attraction to moving to Saudi Arabia, a lot is at stake. He may feel that his job at Tottenham is done after finally getting a trophy. But he might also feel that now is the time for something new."

In the British media, the atmosphere favors Son Heung-min's retention. Sam Truelove, a journalist for 'Football London,' stated, "Son Heung-min is a legend of Tottenham. I think he should stay for one more year. He deserves one last chance to compete in the Champions League before leaving North London next summer." He added, "I hope Son Heung-min can regain his form by staying for another year. Then he can receive the farewell he truly deserves."

Journalist Lee Wilmot also emphasized that "Son Heung-min's 2024-2025 season has been considered a personal disappointment for many and left a lingering regret. However, the statistics show he was not as disappointing as many think, recording 11 goals and 12 assists in 46 appearances. While it cannot be compared to other seasons, that productivity is not bad for a team ranked 17th in the Premier League."

He also stated, "Son Heung-min is a legend of Tottenham. The Europa League trophy has only solidified that. He is charismatic, exemplary, and loved by everyone at the club. He is priceless." He added, "This is the last chance to sell Son Heung-min to make a profit. However, Tottenham has gained more value from him in over 10 years, and they do not necessarily need to secure a transfer fee. I believe they will protect Son Heung-min both on and off the field, considering what he brings to the club."

Gold shared the same sentiment, stating, "Son Heung-min's transfer fee can attract attention. However, we must remember how much income he brings to Tottenham as the most popular player in Asia. It's not by chance that Tottenham is heading back to Asia again." Personally, I hope Son Heung-min stays at Tottenham, but I think he deserves the opportunity to decide his own future."

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