What will be the future of Son Heung-min (33), who has spent 10 years with Tottenham Hotspur?
The Tottenham fan community, Spurs Web, reported on the 14th (Korea time) that 'Son Heung-min may sign an extension with Tottenham despite significant offers from Saudi Arabia,' citing Robinson's remarks and strongly arguing that Tottenham should retain Son Heung-min.
Tottenham is facing a period of upheaval. They lifted the Europa League trophy in the 2024-2025 season, but Head Coach Ange Postecoglou was dismissed. The British Telegraph reported that "Tottenham is on the brink of a player revolt. Just 16 days after winning the Europa League, the Australian coach Postecoglou was brutally fired, leading to an outburst of anger among Tottenham players."
The media noted that "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 managing the crumbling locker room," adding that "Son Heung-min has given some teammates and coaching staff the impression that he might leave Tottenham this summer. Saudi Arabia has shown interest in him."
In fact, Son Heung-min's contract with Tottenham will expire at the end of the upcoming 2025-2026 season. Instead of offering him a new contract, Tottenham has chosen to invoke a one-year extension option. As a result, transfer rumors continue to swirl around him. Last month, he expressed his desire to leave Tottenham as a legend after lifting the UEFA Europa League trophy, leading to speculation that he might seek a new challenge.
Moreover, the dismissal of coach Postecoglou could also impact Son Heung-min's future. Reports suggest that not only Son Heung-min but also vice-captain Cristian Romero have expressed significant dissatisfaction regarding the situation of coach Postecoglou. In fact, Romero has demanded that Postecoglou remain as a prerequisite for his continuation at Tottenham.
Captain Son Heung-min and vice-captain Cristian Romero could leave Tottenham like Harry Kane did two years ago. Football London noted that "Frank could face a situation similar to that of Ange Postecoglou in 2023 due to the uncertainty surrounding the futures of Son Heung-min and Romero."
Son Heung-min is strongly connected to a move to Saudi Arabia. Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, and Al Hilal, backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), are said to be interested in him. ESPN reported that "the Saudi League's summer transfer market 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."
Among them, Al Nassr seems to be particularly keen on acquiring Son Heung-min. The British Sun reported that "Son Heung-min may move to several clubs within the Saudi Pro League. According to sources, Tottenham is considering selling him if a substantial offer comes in," adding that "Al Nassr is focusing on Son Heung-min as the successor to Cristiano Ronaldo. They are already in the process of practical acquisition efforts."
Al Ittihad also attempted to acquire Son Heung-min in the summer of 2023. According to CBS Sports and others, Al Ittihad was prepared to offer a transfer fee of $65 million (about 90 billion won) to Tottenham at that time. The annual salary proposed to Son Heung-min was also €30 million (about 46.5 billion won), reaching a total of €120 million (about 186.1 billion won) over four years.
Football Insider argued that with the beginning of the Frank era, Son Heung-min should be sold. The outlet pointed out that Son Heung-min's recent performance has fallen short of fans' expectations. He started on the bench in the Europa League final, and in the league, he recorded 11 goals and 11 assists in 46 matches, but "fans expressed dissatisfaction with both his leadership and performance."
However, club legend Robinson holds the opposite view. He said, "I can't be sure that Saudi Arabia will pay the transfer fee that Tottenham desires. Moreover, Son Heung-min has immense commercial value," adding, "Although there is one year left on his contract, he is a source of stability and leadership for the team. It would not be surprising at all if they were to propose a one-year extension." He acknowledged that the Saudi League is not a 'retirement stage' but a growing league, arguing that selling Son Heung-min now would not be wise.
In fact, Son Heung-min proved his enduring class last season by playing 46 matches, scoring 11 goals, and lifting the Europa League trophy. There is a tension between the view of him as the 'last cash cow' with one year left on his contract and the assessment that he remains the face of the team and a symbol capturing the Asian market.
Moreover, Son Heung-min's continued presence is likely to be the last pillar in the Tottenham locker room. As Head Coach Frank faces the first challenge of 'fixing the crumbling locker room,' Captain Son Heung-min is the only bridge to restore the trust among the players. Young forwards Mathys Tel, Richarlison, and Brennan Johnson find Son Heung-min's presence very reassuring.
Additionally, as Tottenham prepares for its first season back in the UEFA Champions League (UCL), the team desperately needs Son Heung-min's 'on-field leadership' to endure a demanding schedule. From Tottenham's perspective, there are ample reasons to pursue a contract renewal with Son Heung-min.
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