Son Heung-min's (33, Tottenham) future seems to be somewhat delayed.

The British 'BBC' reported on the 17th (Korean time) that 'Son Heung-min's decision regarding his future will be postponed until after Tottenham's Asia tour in August.' Tottenham will host a 'Coupang Play Series' champion match against Newcastle at Seoul World Cup Stadium on August 3, with an open training session scheduled a day earlier in Goyang.

Realistically, Tottenham's tour in Korea revolves around Son Heung-min's presence. Therefore, even if a sale is possible, it must be after the conclusion of the tour. A club insider noted, 'Son Heung-min is a core marketing asset for the tour, making a sale before the Korea schedule practically difficult.'

Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahce SK, led by coach José Mourinho, is actively pursuing the acquisition of Son Heung-min. The British outlet 'HotsperHQ' reported, citing Turkish media 'Fanatik,' that on the 15th (Korean time), Coach Mourinho wishes to embrace Son Heung-min, his former pupil from Tottenham, again, and the Fenerbahce club is fully supportive of this situation.

In fact, the club has reportedly approved a dramatic salary package described as a 'crazy offer' for Son Heung-min. The Turkish league, which was previously seen as a peripheral league in Europe, has changed recently. Fenerbahce's bitter rival, Galatasaray, significantly strengthened its squad through aggressive acquisitions. This massive investment led Fenerbahce to a runner-up finish last season.

Additionally, Galatasaray's movements in this summer's transfer market are noteworthy. They secured Leroy Sané, who was released after failed salary negotiations with Bayern Munich. Galatasaray has reportedly invested significantly in Sané, bypassing transfer fees.

Fenerbahce finds itself in a situation where a counterattack is necessary. The situation for Son Heung-min is different from a transfer. The reason Son Heung-min's transfer rumors are gaining attention this summer is not mere speculation but signs of actual change. Until 2023, Son Heung-min firmly denied rumors of a transfer to the Saudi Arabian professional league, but recently noted, 'It seems good to wait. I'm quite curious too.'

Son Heung-min's change in attitude has led to interpretations that the likelihood of a transfer has increased both inside and outside the club. In reality, Tottenham's contract with Son Heung-min is set to last until the summer of 2026, but the club is internally strategizing for a generational shift as they believe this summer is the last realistic opportunity to receive a feasible transfer fee.

Under the newly appointed coach Thomas Frank, Son Heung-min's future has become one of the key issues, with some reports indicating that the issue of Son Heung-min's future was one of the first topics discussed after Frank's hiring. Additionally, Tottenham is in negotiations to fully acquire Mathys Tel (20), who was on loan from Bayern Munich.

Tel reportedly scored 3 goals in 20 matches for Tottenham during the second half of last season and played a role in the Europa League title-winning team, with evaluations indicating he is earmarked as a resource for after Son Heung-min. Son Heung-min's current salary is reported to be around £10 million (approximately 18.6 billion won). Fenerbahce has reportedly promised a salary exceeding this amount.

According to reports, Fenerbahce is prepared to make an offer nearly double that, around €23 million to €24 million (approximately 36.3 billion to 38 billion won), which is considered a top-level offer in Europe. In this context, the reunion with Coach Mourinho is a strategically significant option for Son Heung-min in every tactical aspect.

Under Coach Mourinho, Son Heung-min recorded 29 goals and 25 assists in 70 matches, showcasing his best form, and Coach Mourinho has also expressed that Son Heung-min is 'one of the most important players in Tottenham's history.' Should the transfer materialize, Son Heung-min could start a new career at a club that offers a higher salary and the possibility of competing in the Champions League.

Additionally, a report from a leading journalist in Turkey has surfaced. Şabancıoğlu stated, 'To acquire Son Heung-min, Coach Mourinho personally reached out to meet the player. He has maintained a good relationship with Coach Mourinho since their time at Tottenham,' adding, 'Because of this, Son Heung-min is open to the possibility of moving to Fenerbahce. Tottenham is also willing to sell.'

He continued, 'Tottenham's asking price is €30 million (approximately 47.3 billion won). If the club meets this transfer fee, the process is likely to proceed smoothly.' He added, 'The player himself is open to moving to Fenerbahce, and the transfer fee is now set. The ball is now in Fenerbahce's court.'

If Son Heung-min wears the Fenerbahce jersey, the Turkish Super League will be elevated to a 'war of stars' featuring Son Heung-min of Fenerbahce and Sané of Galatasaray. For Coach Mourinho, reconnecting with his 'once-in-a-lifetime' pupil is a strategic move aimed at winning both the Champions League ticket and the league title.

Fenerbahce's response to Galatasaray extends beyond just Son Heung-min. Under Mourinho's leadership, the club is in contact with several prominent names on the European stage. The recruitment war between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce could change the league's attractiveness itself.

Similar to Sané, Son Heung-min serves as both a symbol and a starting point. If Galatasaray has shaken the market with star power, Fenerbahce aims to respond with the superstar Son Heung-min. The participation of Son Heung-min, as the top star of Asia and a world-class winger, could be a decisive game-changer for both Fenerbahce and the entire Turkish league.

Furthermore, while Son Heung-min's contract extends until the summer of 2026, the 'realistic window' for securing an appropriate transfer fee is nearing its end this summer. Despite ongoing interest from the Saudi league and Fenerbahce under Mourinho, Tottenham has not yet received any official offers. The BBC reported that 'to let Son Heung-min go before the tour, a dramatically high offer above market value is necessary.'

Ultimately, the timeline has become clear. On July 31, before the match against Arsenal in Hong Kong and the events in Seoul and Goyang in early August, Son Heung-min will remain 'the face of Tottenham.’ As the European transfer market deadline approaches (September 1), attention will be on whether substantial offers from Saudi Arabia or Turkey will materialize. Son Heung-min's next destination is expected to become clear only after he dons the last Spurs jersey in front of K-fans.

[OSEN]