The controversy surrounding Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur) is heating up once again.
Football Insider reported on the 14th (Korea time), "If Bryan Mbeumo joins Tottenham with coach Thomas Frank, Son Heung-min's time at Tottenham could effectively come to an end." The claim is that Mbeumo's selection as the new attacking axis for Tottenham raises the possibility of Son Heung-min becoming a target for cashing out.
Tottenham is undergoing a period of major upheaval. They lifted the UEFA Europa League trophy in the 2024-2025 season, but coach Ange Postecoglou was sacked. The Telegraph reported, "Tottenham is facing the risk of a player revolt. Just 16 days after winning the Europa League, Australian manager Postecoglou was brutally fired, leading to an explosion of anger among the Tottenham players."
The media noted, "Postecoglou's dismissal has angered many Tottenham players. Some players want to leave the team. According to sources, the next head coach will face significant difficulties in mending the broken locker room," adding, "Son Heung-min has given the impression to some teammates and coaching staff that he could leave Tottenham this summer. Saudi Arabia has shown interest in him."
In fact, Son Heung-min's contract with Tottenham expires at the end of the upcoming 2025-2026 season. Instead of offering him a new contract, Tottenham has only activated a one-year extension option. As a result, rumors of his transfer have persisted. He expressed a desire to leave Tottenham as a legend after lifting the UEFA Europa League trophy last month, leading to speculation about a new challenge.
Furthermore, the dismissal of Coach Postecoglou could influence Son Heung-min's future. Reports have emerged that not only Son Heung-min but also vice-captain Cristian Romero have shown significant dissatisfaction regarding Postecoglou's situation. In fact, Romero reportedly demanded that the condition for his stay at Tottenham would be the presence of Postecoglou as the coach.
Captain Son Heung-min and vice-captain Cristian Romero could leave Tottenham, similar to Harry Kane two years ago. Football London pointed out, "Frank may face a situation similar to that of Ange Postecoglou in 2023 due to uncertainty surrounding the futures of Son Heung-min and Romero."
Son Heung-min is strongly linked to a move to Saudi Arabia. Clubs like Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, and Al Hilal, backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), are said to be interested in him. ESPN reported, "The summer transfer window for the Saudi league opens on July 20. The 32-year-old South Korean national team striker Son Heung-min is expected to be among many targets."
Among them, Al Nassr is said to be particularly keen on Son Heung-min. The Sun reported, "Son Heung-min could potentially transfer to multiple clubs in the Saudi Pro League. According to sources, Tottenham is considering a sale if a substantial offer comes in for him, with Al Nassr looking at Son Heung-min as Cristiano Ronaldo's successor. They are already in the process of concrete acquisition efforts."
Al Ittihad also attempted to sign Son Heung-min in the summer of 2023. According to CBS Sports and others, Al Ittihad had prepared a transfer fee of $65 million (approximately 90 billion won) to offer to Tottenham at that time. The salary proposed to Son Heung-min was also €30 million (approximately 46.5 billion won), totaling €120 million (approximately 186.1 billion won) over four years.
Football Insider has claimed that under Frank's regime, Son Heung-min should be sold. The media pointed out that Son Heung-min's recent performances have not met fans' expectations. He started on the bench in the Europa League final and recorded 11 goals and 11 assists in 46 league matches, but "fans have expressed dissatisfaction with both his leadership and performance."
Ultimately, the main reason Football Insider recommends selling Son Heung-min is the contract duration. His contract now has only one year left, and the analysis suggests that this is the last opportunity for Tottenham to generate revenue from a transfer. Decisions regarding dedication and leadership to the team are being ignored.
The most notable target for acquisition under Frank's regime is none other than Mbeumo. He has scored 20 goals and provided 7 assists in the Premier League this season and is already a striker attracting interest from Manchester United. Should the 'Brentford reunion' with Coach Frank materialize, Son Heung-min's position could become even more limited.
Football Insider acknowledged, "Son Heung-min has been a symbol of Tottenham for over 10 years, leaving a remarkable record of 454 matches, 173 goals, and 101 assists," while emphasizing, "Now he is entering the twilight of his career. There are teams in the Saudi league eager to offer Son Heung-min large sums of money. This is indeed the time for Tottenham to generate its last revenue."
In fact, multiple Saudi clubs, including Al Nassr, Al Hilal, and Al Ittihad, are reported to be targeting Son Heung-min. Son Heung-min is also showing a different stance compared to two years ago. At that time, he stated, "What’s important is playing in a league I love rather than money," but in a recent interview following the match against Kuwait, he left open the possibility by saying, "I still have time left on my contract, and I don’t know what will happen."
Will Son Heung-min accompany Tottenham into a new era, or will he meet his twilight years in Saudi Arabia? The summer transfer window is heating up.
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