The transfer of Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur) to Fenerbahçe is facing significant obstacles.

Turkish journalist Yavuz Sabuncuoğlu reported on the 16th (Korea time) via social media that "Son Heung-min wants to work with coach José Mourinho again. However, since a transfer fee of around €30 million (approximately 47.2 billion won) is required, the possibility of the transfer is very low."

Ultimately, it seems that the transfer fee is a stumbling block. Earlier, Sabuncuoğlu said, "Coach Mourinho met Son Heung-min. The Korean star Son Heung-min has a very close relationship with him and is open to moving to Fenerbahçe. Tottenham is demanding €30 million for his transfer fee. If the transfer fee issue is resolved, negotiations will progress."

Reports have also surfaced locally in Turkey indicating that Son Heung-min may wear a Fenerbahçe uniform. "TURKGUN" claimed, "Fenerbahçe is continuing negotiations to acquire Son Heung-min. They are making adjustments to bring him from Tottenham. At 32 years old, he has one year remaining on his contract with Tottenham and is demanding an annual salary of around €15 million (approximately 23.6 billion won)."

It appears that Fenerbahçe intends to lower this amount further. TURKGUN explained, "Fenerbahçe is trying to finalize the transfer by reducing Son Heung-min's salary to a reasonable level. Both Tottenham and Son Heung-min are said to be open to the transfer," adding, "Furthermore, it is reported that Mourinho personally called Son Heung-min to provide information about Fenerbahçe."

The possibility of Son Heung-min leaving Tottenham this summer is increasing. His contract expires at the end of the 2025-2026 season. As it is Tottenham's last chance to sell Son Heung-min and capture the transfer fee, it is reported that they are willing to let him go if he wants to leave.

British 'Football London' also noted, "We are well aware that captain Son Heung-min is more likely than ever to leave Tottenham." They added, "After spending 10 years at Tottenham and finally achieving the trophy he has always aimed for, he is now more open to leaving the club this summer if a suitable contract is reached for all parties."

Tottenham won against Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League (UEL) final last month. This victory marked their escape from a 17-year trophy drought and was their first European competition title in 41 years. Son Heung-min also shed tears of joy as he lifted a trophy for the first time in his club career.

Now, with his dream realized, Son Heung-min might leave Tottenham as a legend. In fact, he started from the bench in the UEL final, and his playing time has significantly decreased this season due to injury effects and aging curve. Football London pointed out, "In an interview conducted ahead of the Europa League final, he admitted that the reason he remained at Tottenham was to finally bring a trophy to the club."

Son Heung-min has once again been linked to Saudi Arabia, where 'oil money' is abundant. It is reported that clubs like Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, and Al Hilal, backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), want Son Heung-min. U.S. 'ESPN' reported, "The summer transfer market for the Saudi league starts on July 20. At 32 years old, South Korean national team striker Son Heung-min is expected to be among many targets."

Son Heung-min also received an enormous offer from Al Ittihad last summer. Despite that, at the time he remarked, "Right now, money is not important. What matters is playing in a league I enjoy." However, he has recently changed his tune. After the match against Kuwait, Son Heung-min stated, "It’s right to wait now. I'm curious too. It's hard to predict what will happen. It seems best to watch and see what will unfold," keeping all possibilities for the future open.

Clearly, Son Heung-min's attitude toward transfer rumors has greatly changed over the past two years. In this context, the possibility of a move to Turkey has surged. Fenerbahçe, where coach Mourinho is, is actively pursuing Son Heung-min's transfer. The two had a mentor-mentee relationship at Tottenham from November 2019 to April 2021, during which Son Heung-min recorded 29 goals and 25 assists in 70 matches under Mourinho.

It is natural for coach Mourinho, who wishes to win by surpassing rival Galatasaray, to dream of reuniting with Son Heung-min. Fenerbahçe finished second in the Super Lig last season, falling short of Galatasaray, and was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Turkish Cup after losing to Galatasaray. Therefore, it has been reported that Fenerbahçe is willing to invest heavily and has offered Son Heung-min a salary of €12 million (approximately 18.9 billion won).

Tottenham seems to be willing to respect Son Heung-min’s wishes and let him go. Earlier, British 'Sky Sports' claimed, "Captain Son Heung-min recently acknowledged that his future at Tottenham is uncertain this summer. He has one year remaining on his contract, and Tottenham is said to be prepared to give him the final say if they receive a suitable offer."

However, it appears that the transfer fee Tottenham desires is a sticking point. According to reports from Turkey, Tottenham has placed Son Heung-min's value at €30 million. Although he has one year left on his contract and will soon turn 33, considering Son Heung-min's stature and skill, this is not an unreasonable demand.

The problem is that, from Fenerbahçe's perspective, this is an amount that is difficult to pay. Fenerbahçe's highest transfer fee to date was €19.5 million (approximately 30.7 billion won) for Youssef En-Nesyri, acquired this season. €30 million considerably exceeds the club record. If Tottenham does not relent, as Sabuncuoğlu said, it seems unlikely that Son Heung-min will wear a Fenerbahçe uniform next season.

[Photo] From Marca Sports, ZPOR, Sports Kidda, Tottenham, 365 Scores social media.

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