Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur) is facing a significant summer. The reality overshadowing the glory of winning the UEFA Europa League is harsh. There is one year left on his contract, and a massive offer has already arrived. It is now time to make a decision.
The Spurs HQ stated on the 18th (Korean time) that "Son Heung-min is at a crucial crossroads in his career this summer," and emphasized that "Given that there is one year left until the contract expires, we cannot rule out the possibility that he might choose a clean break from Tottenham after the club career's greatest moment of winning the UEFA Europa League."
Son Heung-min is now in his 10th year with Tottenham. He has recorded 173 goals and 94 assists in 454 matches, earning a place among the club's legends. He successfully lifted the UEL trophy as the team's captain in the 2024-2025 season. However, a shadow has been cast.
Last season, Son Heung-min scored 11 goals and provided 11 assists in 46 official matches. Statistically, it was a certain level of contribution, but a clear decline was evident in detailed metrics such as dribble success rate, shooting conversion rate, and breakthrough indicators. As a result, his standing in the team has weakened, and the assessment that "separation can be more beautiful" has begun to arise.
Tottenham and Son Heung-min have a contract lasting until 2026, making this summer a practical final opportunity to recover the transfer fee. Regardless of the club's choices, there is also speculation that Son Heung-min may decide to transfer himself.
Saudi Arabian clubs are actively approaching him. TalkSport reported that "Al Ahli, Al Nassr, and Al Qadisiyyah have expressed interest in Son Heung-min and are preparing to pay a transfer fee of 40 million euros (63 billion won)."
In particular, it is reported that Saudi Arabian clubs are expected to offer Son Heung-min an annual salary of 30 million euros (43 billion won).
If Son Heung-min agrees to the transfer, local analysis suggests that the marketing effect, coupled with the broadcasting rights contract with Korean broadcasting companies, could be anticipated.
However, Son Heung-min's future has not yet been decided. The Spurs HQ noted, "Tottenham is not considering a forced sale regarding Son Heung-min's future," adding, "Chairman Daniel Levy will respect the player's wishes and will not simply let him go for the highest offer."
Currently, Son Heung-min is in a situation where he needs to participate in a preseason friendly scheduled to be held in Seoul in early August. The Sun reported, "Tottenham has confirmed Son Heung-min's participation in the Korea tour for commercial reasons, and it is likely that transfer negotiations will intensify after the conclusion of the preseason tour."
The Spurs HQ emphasized, "Son Heung-min is not just an ace, but a symbol of Tottenham and a part of its soul," stating that "No matter how much the transfer fee reaches 50 million euros (79 billion won), sending Son Heung-min solely for the sake of money is a decision that cannot be easily justified."
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