The love call from taxes Mourinho (62), the manager of Tottenham Hotspur, towards captain Son Heung-min (33) has started again. Son stands at a crossroads before a new challenge in the summer transfer market with an atmosphere different from the past.
Manager Mourinho's Fenerbahçe SK, a prestigious Turkish club, has actively pursued the recruitment of Son Heung-min. British outlet 'HotspurHQ' reported, citing the Turkish media 'Fanatik,' that on the 15th (Korean time), Mourinho wishes to embrace Son, who was his disciple during their time at Tottenham, and that Fenerbahçe is providing full support.
In fact, the club is reported to have approved a salary package so extraordinary that it is being called a 'crazy offer' for Son.
Son's current salary is known to be around $10 million (approximately 18.6 billion won). According to reports, Fenerbahçe is prepared to offer nearly double that amount, around €23 million to €24 million (approximately 36.3 billion to 38 billion won), which is in the upper tier of European standards.
The reason Son's transfer rumors are garnering attention this summer is due to substantial signs of change rather than mere speculation. Until 2023, Son firmly denied rumors of a move to the Saudi Arabian Pro League, but recently indicated, 'It seems good to wait and see. I'm quite curious too.' This change in his attitude is interpreted as a sign that the possibility of transfer has increased both inside and outside the club.
In reality, although Tottenham's contract with Son lasts until the summer of 2026, the club is strategically considering a generational shift, believing this summer to be the last realistic opportunity to receive a transfer fee. Under the new management of Thomas Frank, Son's future is one of the key issues; according to some reports, the matter concerning Son's status was one of the first topics discussed shortly after Frank's appointment.
Meanwhile, the resources considered as replacements for Son are also becoming more concrete. Tottenham is currently negotiating to permanently acquire Mathys Tel (20), who was on loan from Bayern Munich. Tel recorded 3 goals in 20 matches for Tottenham in the latter half of last season and is evaluated as a candidate for the post-Son era.
In this context, the reunion with manager Mourinho is a significant option for Son in both emotional and tactical aspects. Under Mourinho's regime, Son recorded 29 goals and 25 assists in 70 matches, showcasing his best form, and Mourinho has also evaluated Son as 'one of the most significant players in Tottenham's history.'
If the transfer materializes, Son could start a new career at a club with a higher salary and the potential to enter the Champions League. The opportunity to continue competing in Europe while working with a familiar manager gives the move to Fenerbahçe a persuasive edge over mere 'Middle East' destinations.
Son's future decision is expected to be a significant turning point that will influence not only his personal career path but also Tottenham's rebuilding direction, the initiation of Frank's management, and the emotions of the fans.
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