Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) has once again taken center stage in this summer's transfer market. It is no longer just simple interest, but a decision from the club level is approaching.
Football Insider reported on the 14th (Korea time) that "the first decision of Tottenham's new manager Thomas Frank could be to end Son Heung-min's illustrious career at Tottenham."
Manager Frank has signed a contract with Tottenham until June 2028 after leaving Brentford. The club is reportedly placing the most important task to address right after Frank's arrival on the future of captain Son Heung-min. Son has become a target for multiple clubs in the Saudi Arabia Professional League, with expectations that a substantial offer could arrive on Tottenham's table.
Football Insider reported that "regardless of the manager's intentions, there is a possibility that Tottenham will accept the 'very high offer' that has arrived for Son Heung-min." This essentially suggests that the club's leadership sees Son's transfer as a way to pursue both financial flexibility and generational change.
Keith Wyness, who previously served as CEO of Everton and is currently providing consulting to European clubs, also supported this trend. He appeared on Football Insider's podcast 'Inside Track' and noted, "Son Heung-min will soon turn 33. Tottenham and manager Frank need to prepare for a new system and era," advising a separation.
He continued, "Son Heung-min has shown tremendous dedication to Tottenham. The club has built a large fan base and revenue structure in Korea through him, and in fact, they are implementing various marketing strategies to maintain this fan base even after Son Heung-min."
He also touched on the background of why Saudi Arabia wants Son Heung-min. He explained, "The Saudi Professional League knows Son Heung-min's brand value precisely. According to a recent article I read, there was a claim that 'the Saudi League was viewed by 3 billion people.' Saudi Arabia wants global stars like Son Heung-min for sports marketing, tourism industry, and international image enhancement."
Meanwhile, Tottenham seems to be concurrently preparing for a separation from Son Heung-min. Football Insider reported on the 3rd that "Tottenham is expected to sit back down at the negotiation table with Bayern Munich for the full acquisition of Mathys Tel (20)." Tel wore the Tottenham uniform on loan in the second half of last season and recorded 3 goals and 1 assist in 20 matches, including league and cup competitions.
Within the club, there is a prevailing evaluation that he is seen as a replacement for Son Heung-min. Tel is regarded as a winger with speedy feet and the ability to penetrate space, making him a suitable resource for the pressing-oriented tactics favored by manager Frank.
Son Heung-min has a contract with Tottenham until the summer of 2026, but there is interpretation that this summer is the last time the club can receive a transfer fee. He is a symbol of the team and one of the legends in the Premier League, but his final summer may coincide with the club's generational change strategy.
If the first step toward a new era involves parting ways with the most iconic player, then the weight of that decision is not light for manager Frank, Son Heung-min himself, and all Tottenham fans.
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