The transfer rumors surrounding Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur) are having a direct impact on the club's official schedule. With the end of the Asian tour, the possibility is raised that this may be his last connection with Tottenham, attracting the attention of media worldwide.
On the 17th (Korea time), both the BBC and The Guardian reported, "Saudi Arabian clubs are actively moving to acquire Son Heung-min," adding, "Tottenham plans to keep Son Heung-min until the Asian preseason transfer, but circumstances may change after that."
In fact, Tottenham is scheduled to play a preseason match against Newcastle United in Seoul in early August. Son Heung-min is a key figure in this tour, and Tottenham has promised marketing centered on Son Heung-min through an agreement with the Korean organizing company. Given its connection to Tottenham's revenue structure, Son Heung-min's sudden departure is by no means a simple issue for Tottenham.
The BBC noted, "The preseason holds more significance than just a game. It serves as a gateway for Premier League clubs to expand their global market, and Son Heung-min symbolizes Tottenham's entry into the Asian market." They added, "Tottenham plans to prevent Son Heung-min's transfer until the preseason is completed, after which they will set a higher transfer fee."
However, the situation is unfolding more rapidly than expected. Multiple Saudi Arabian clubs have already begun unofficial contact with Son Heung-min's side, with conditions that European clubs find hard to match. 'Talk Sport' reported on the 18th, "Al Ahli, Al Nassr, and Al Qadisiyah are ready to offer Son Heung-min an annual salary of £26.5 million (49.1 billion won)" and that "the Saudi Arabian league aims to pursue broadcasting rights contracts with Korean broadcasters through the acquisition of Son Heung-min."
The reasons Saudi Arabia wants Son Heung-min are not simple. His symbolic presence and media influence within Asia can contribute directly to enhancing the global status of the Saudi league. It is considered an acquisition that takes into account not only skill but also economic added value.
Meanwhile, clubs from Europe and Turkey have also joined the competition. José Mourinho, who previously worked with Son Heung-min at Tottenham, is currently managing Fenerbahçe and is said to hope for a reunion. Additionally, Bayer Leverkusen, where Son Heung-min built a significant part of his career in Europe, is reportedly discussing the possibility of his return internally.
Son Heung-min joined Bayer Leverkusen in 2013 after playing for Hamburg and later transferred to Tottenham, where he rose to stardom as a representative player of the Premier League. He achieved double-digit league goals for eight consecutive seasons at Tottenham and became the first Asian player to win the Premier League Golden Boot with 23 goals in the 2021-2022 season.
Son Heung-min lifted the European trophy while wearing the captain's armband. Tottenham secured victory in the UEFA Europa League final, winning their first European title in 41 years since 1984, with Son Heung-min playing a crucial role in this historic moment. This was also the club's first official title since the 2008 League Cup.
The focus now shifts to his next steps. There are prevailing expectations that Son Heung-min's situation will be officially settled after the conclusion of the preseason tour. Although Son Heung-min has yet to take an official stance, multiple media outlets commonly analyze that negotiations with Tottenham are ongoing.
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