The choice is literally left. After spending 10 years in the English stage, what decision will Son Heung-min (33) make about leaving Tottenham Hotspur for Turkey?
The British 'Yard Barker' reported on the 15th (Korean time) that "Son Heung-min is ready to accept an offer from Fenerbahçe and is very close to an agreement." Turkish journalist Yağız Şaşmazoğlu, who is an expert in the transfer market, also noted that "taxes Mourinho is directly meeting Son Heung-min to push for the signing, and the player himself is showing an open attitude toward the transfer."
Fenerbahçe is not just an ordinary big club. It is a prestigious club with a long history and tradition, passionate fandom, and a Champions League qualification. Recently, they missed out on the league title, being outpaced by their rival Galatasaray's aggressive signings, but they are preparing a counterattack this summer with the appointment of Mourinho as manager. At the center of this counterattack is Son Heung-min. Son Heung-min scored 29 goals and provided 25 assists in 70 matches under Mourinho, enjoying the best peak of his career. The person whom Mourinho praised as "one of the most important players in Tottenham's history" is none other than Son Heung-min.
Fenerbahçe is reportedly preparing a shocking salary package for Son Heung-min that could be called a "crazy offer." The conditions not only exceed his current salary but, from a marketing perspective, the name Son Heung-min could elevate the status of Turkish football. In fact, after Galatasaray signed Leroy Sané after his free contract release from Bayern Munich, if Son Heung-min transfers to Fenerbahçe, the Süper Lig will truly become a "war of stars."
Parting ways with Tottenham is not an easy choice. Son Heung-min has dedicated 10 years to Tottenham, captained the team, and lifted the trophy for the UEFA Europa League. However, reality is harsh. Tottenham is aiming for a generational shift under the new manager Thomas Frank, and they have begun restructuring the attack with the full acquisition of Mathys Tel. Although the contract lasts until the summer of 2026, the club shares the perception that this summer is the last opportunity to recover the transfer fee.
Son Heung-min is also at a crossroads of change. Until last year, he dismissed transfer rumors to Saudi Arabia, but in a recent interview, he noted that "it might be better to wait and see," leaving room for possibility. This is not merely lip service; it is evidence that he has become more deeply troubled about his career. He may now prefer a stage where he can challenge towards a clear goal rather than spending his prime years in a mid-table team.
Fenerbahçe can provide that stage. With a familiar commander in Mourinho, Champions League qualification, and overwhelming support and attention, it offers an environment where Son Heung-min can ignite his final spark as an "ace." If the current Tottenham is gradually diminishing in tactical importance apart from leadership and symbolism, at Fenerbahçe, he could once again step into the center of the team.
Above all, the effect that Fenerbahçe aims to achieve through Son Heung-min is not simply a reinforcement of their squad. As a symbol of the club, as a part of their marketing assets, he can play a major role in changing the overall status of the Turkish league. This is a 'win-win-win' situation for Son Heung-min personally, for the club, and for Turkish football as a whole.
Now the choice is up to Son Heung-min. Will he remain on the familiar stage or soar in a new challenge? All conditions are in place, and the moment has arrived for Son Heung-min to respond to Mourinho's call.
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