[OSEN] Although there have been no concrete proposals yet, the possibility remains open.
European football transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano reported on the 7th (Korean time) during an appearance on the global sports media 'DAZN' podcast, in response to questions about Son Heung-min's transfer to Saudi Arabia, "The reason such stories are coming up is that there is a good relationship between Son Heung-min's agent and the Saudi clubs," and added, "It is true that there has been interest from the Saudi side in recent weeks.
ESPN, citing reports from TalkSport on the 1st, stated, "Son Heung-min has emerged as a transfer target for several clubs in the Saudi Pro League," adding, "Saudi clubs expect that acquiring Son Heung-min will not only enhance the competitiveness of the league but also serve as a stepping stone for entering new markets." The Saudi Pro League is already showcasing its international presence by acquiring top stars from Europe, such as Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr).
This time, they aim to expand their influence in the Asian market by acquiring Son Heung-min, who is Asia's top star. Last month, the British media The Sun also reported, "Saudi clubs are showing interest in acquiring Son Heung-min. Tottenham may consider selling him if a large transfer fee is proposed."
Sources in Saudi football reportedly stated, "Son Heung-min is an iconic figure in Korea. He is also a suitable marketing asset for targeting the East Asian market." Son Heung-min garnered interest from Saudi clubs last summer as well. According to U.S. CBS Sports, at that time, Al Ittihad offered to pay a transfer fee of $65 million (approximately 90.8 billion won) and a contract worth €120 million (approximately 187.6 billion won) over four years for Son Heung-min. However, Son Heung-min chose to remain in England, citing his commitment to winning.
Son Heung-min previously revealed his stance on a possible transfer to the Saudi league. After a match against El Salvador in 2023, he said, "I remember my past teammate Ki Sung-yueng saying, 'The captain of the South Korean national team does not go to the Chinese league,'" and added, "I have more to achieve in the Premier League," expressing his intention to decline. The 'things he needs to achieve' were seen as winning, especially since he had not experienced lifting a trophy with his club at that point. However, his situation has changed this season, as he finally secured a title in the UEFA Europa League for the 2024-2025 season.
Son Heung-min, who will turn 33 in July, recorded 11 goals and 12 assists in 46 official matches this season. In the Premier League, he managed only 7 goals in 30 matches, marking the first time he has stayed in single digits in scoring since joining in the 2015-2016 season. However, separate from his personal statistics, Son Heung-min achieved his first career victory in the UEFA Europa League.
Son Heung-min's contract with Tottenham was extended until June 2026 when the one-year extension option was triggered in January. This summer could be seen as the last opportunity for Tottenham to sell Son Heung-min and secure a hefty transfer fee. While there is also a winter transfer market, if he is not sold by the next season, they would have to let him go for 'free.'
It is reported that Saudi Arabian clubs Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, and Al Hilal, backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), are interested in Son Heung-min. Whether Son Heung-min is sold will ultimately be determined by Tottenham. Although the player himself has consistently shown affection for the team, the club's ongoing turbulence could lead to a situation where selling Son Heung-min occurs, regardless of his wishes.
However, the club is not keen to respond easily to the Saudi proposal. Tottenham's dedicated reporter Sessions stated, "Son Heung-min underperformed last season due to relative injury issues. He scored the lowest in his debut season with just 11 goals," and added, "Nevertheless, Tottenham sees Son Heung-min as their 'icon' and captain."
Sessions noted, "Despite the Saudi interest, Tottenham is not inclined to respond easily. It might be foolish to suggest letting go of Son Heung-min unless there’s a massive transfer fee for salary reduction." He also highlighted that Tottenham has been preparing to visit Korea again during the summer preseason, marking their third visit in four years.
Indeed, Tottenham will visit Korea again during the summer. Having visited Korea three times over the last four years, they have gained significant advantages from each tour. Sessions emphasized, "Son Heung-min's global stature provides substantial commercial value for the club. The Korean tour is also part of that."
Regarding Son Heung-min's potential move to Saudi Arabia, Romano stated, "Son Heung-min's agent has been talking to Saudi clubs in recent weeks," adding, "However, based on what I have heard, there are no official negotiations or proposals with Tottenham yet. Therefore, negotiations can be considered still in the early stages. We will have to wait and see how it turns out."
Tottenham sacked head coach Ange Postecoglou on the 6th. Depending on who the new manager is, the decision regarding Son Heung-min's stay or departure may be made, according to Romano. Romano explained, "We will have to see who the new Tottenham manager will be. If the new manager says, 'Son Heung-min is absolutely not a player I want to transfer. He must be with the team,' Tottenham will likely keep the player (Son Heung-min)."
Recently, rumors have been circulating about the potential sale of Son Heung-min. In a world where money is intertwined in the professional sphere, this may be a natural rationale. Son Heung-min is under contract with Tottenham until June 2026. This summer is effectively viewed as the last chance for Tottenham to sell Son Heung-min and secure a transfer fee. There is a winter transfer market as well, but if the transfer fails, he may be released as a free agent a year later.
The BBC previously reported on the 5th, citing the British news agency PA Media, that 'Tottenham's possibility of selling Son Heung-min this summer exists only when a significant transfer fee comes in.' The Sun also noted, "Tottenham does not want to let Son Heung-min go, but they could consider selling him if a massive offer comes in."
PA Media reported that 'Saudi Pro League clubs that had shown interest in acquiring Son Heung-min two years ago are showing interest again.' Teams such as Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, and Al Hilal are reportedly extending offers. The Saudi League's summer transfer window will open on July 20.
The BBC reported that 'Son Heung-min led Tottenham to its first European trophy in 40 years by winning the UEFA Europa League final against Manchester United last month. Tottenham also secured a Champions League qualification for the next season. However, Son Heung-min fell short of expectations this season with just 11 goals, his lowest tally since his debut, due to injury impacts,' creating an atmosphere that he could leave Tottenham as he enters the aging curve.