Son Heung-min hints at Tottenham exit amid Saudi interest in summer transfer

"Son Heung-min has given the impression that he could leave Tottenham this summer."

Son Heung-min (33) may put an end to his 10-year partnership with Tottenham Hotspur, contrary to expectations in the UK. His agent is reportedly in touch with Saudi Arabia.

European football transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano, on the 7th (Korean time), appeared on the global sports media 'DAZN' and discussed Son Heung-min's transfer rumors.

When talk of Son Heung-min's potential Saudi transfer arose, he responded, "The reason these discussions are happening is that there is a very good relationship between Son Heung-min's agent and the Saudi clubs. There have been conversations in recent weeks. The Saudi side is interested in him."

Romano added, "As of now, negotiations have not progressed. Tottenham has not received any official offers. It's still in the early stages. However, Saudi interest is legitimate," and noted, "We need to see how things unfold. We also need to see who becomes Tottenham's next manager, as the new manager may want to keep Son Heung-min, stating he is 'untouchable' in the squad."

Finally, he emphasized, "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 moving, a lot can happen," emphasizing that "Son Heung-min is still an important leader in the locker room. With a new manager coming in and next season's Champions League approaching, players like Son Heung-min are necessary. However, one thing is certain: Saudi interest exists."

Son Heung-min's recent Saudi transfer rumors are reigniting. Saudi clubs, led by 'oil money', are reportedly showing interest in him. Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, and Al Hilal, backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), are known to want Son Heung-min.

American 'ESPN' reported on July 31, "Tottenham's Son Heung-min is not only a talented player being targeted by several teams in the Saudi Pro League looking to enter new international markets, but the summer transfer market in the Saudi League opens on July 20. The 32-year-old South Korean national team forward Son Heung-min is expected to be one of the many targets."

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 Son Heung-min will turn 33 next month, there are opinions among fans suggesting that if a substantial amount can be received, it would be better to choose a beautiful farewell.

In particular, Al Nassr has identified Son Heung-min as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo. According to reports from 'The Sun' and 'Daily Mail', Al Nassr wishes to fill the void left by Ronaldo, whose contract expires this summer, with Son Heung-min. Tottenham is also thinking about considering the sale of Son Heung-min if a substantial offer comes in.

There is a favorable atmosphere in the UK for Son Heung-min to stay. This is because Son Heung-min has ascended to the ranks of Tottenham legends this season. He recently captured his first career trophy, clinching victory in the UEFA Europa League (UEL) last month. He is the first Asian captain in Tottenham's history to lift a trophy.

Son Heung-min has established himself as Tottenham's 'living legend.' Since the club's founding in 1882, only three club captains, including Son Heung-min, have secured the UEL trophy. The only others are Allan Mullery in the 1971-1972 season and Steve Perryman in the 1983-1984 season, who both won the predecessor of the UEL, the UEFA Cup.

Reporters from 'Football London,' responsible for Tottenham, collectively wished for Son Heung-min's stay. Lee Wilmott stated, "Son Heung-min is a legend of Tottenham. The trophy has only solidified that further. He is charismatic, exemplary, and loved by everyone at the club. He is priceless," adding, "Although this is the last opportunity to sell Son Heung-min and make money, Tottenham has gained more value from him over the past decade. There is no absolute need to receive a transfer fee."

Sam Truelove also noted, "Son Heung-min is a legend of Tottenham. I think he should stay one more year. He deserves the chance to compete in the Champions League one last time before leaving North London next summer." Alasdair Gold echoed, "Personally, I hope Son Heung-min stays at Tottenham. However, I think he deserves the opportunity to decide his future for himself."

However, it is uncertain whether Son Heung-min will wear the Tottenham jersey next season. Soon turning 33, he is entering the twilight of his career and has recently had a noticeable increase in injury history. Contrary to expectations, he has not been able to secure an additional long-term contract with Tottenham, with only one season remaining on his current deal. Unlike two years ago, both Son Heung-min and Tottenham are likely to be swayed by the temptation of oil money.

'ESPN' also pointed out that Saudi Arabia could entice both Tottenham and Son Heung-min with overwhelming financial strength. The outlet reported, "The UEFA Europa League (UEL) champion Tottenham is reluctant to part ways with captain Son Heung-min. However, if Son Heung-min goes to Saudi Arabia, he is likely to earn much more than he does in North London, thus facing a difficult decision."

Tottenham's dismissal of coach Postecoglou may also impact Son Heung-min's future. The British 'Telegraph' exclusively reported, "Tottenham faces a rebellion among the players. Just 16 days after winning the Europa League, the anger of Tottenham players erupted as the Australian coach Postecoglou was brutally fired."

Son Heung-min is also said to have dropped hints about a transfer in the locker room. The media reported, "The dismissal of Postecoglou has angered many Tottenham players. Some players want to leave the team. The next manager will face significant challenges in stabilizing the fractured locker room," adding, "Son Heung-min has given the impression to some teammates and coaching staff that he could leave Tottenham this summer."

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