BBC reported on the 18th (Korean time) that "the possibility of Son Heung-min leaving the team before the start of the next season still exists," adding that "the timing of the transfer is likely to be postponed until after the club's Asia tour."

Furthermore, it pointed out that "if Son Heung-min does not participate in the tour, Tottenham could face scheduling issues as well as problems with the agreements with the hosts."

Son Heung-min lifted the championship trophy as the team captain in the UEFA Europa League final last May. It was Tottenham's first triumph in a European competition in 41 years, and for Son, it marked his first victory in 15 years since his debut on the European stage. Despite Son's achievements and significance, the transfer rumors have not subsided.

Several clubs in Saudi Arabia and Turkey's prestigious Fenerbahçe have shown interest in acquiring Son Heung-min, and the interest persists to this day. However, during the national team training period last month, Son met with reporters and said, "I still have a contract remaining. I think it's right to wait for now," while refraining from commenting on his future.

BBC anticipates that if Son Heung-min transfers, the timing will be after the preseason tour. Newly appointed manager Thomas Frank is also deliberating whether to utilize Son, and within the team, Son's position cannot be guaranteed.

The Times specifically disclosed the contractual negotiations between Son Heung-min and the club, shedding light on the new context for his potential transfer. Tottenham proactively activated the one-year extension option for Son in January, extending the contract expiration date to Summer 2026.

The Times reported that "Tottenham offered Son Heung-min a longer contract period, but he rejected it." It also noted that "ultimately, Tottenham had no choice but to execute the minimal option of a one-year extension to prevent a free agency transfer."

Having achieved nearly everything one can at Tottenham — the Premier League top scorer, the captain's armband, and a European tournament victory — what remains is only the "final choice" for the conclusion of his career.

In the divided situation between Tottenham and the player, it appears that Son Heung-min's next destination will be decided after the preseason tour. In particular, there is growing speculation that Tottenham will initiate transfer negotiations after commercially leveraging Son following the conclusion of the Asian tour in early August.

Son Heung-min has not yet disclosed any official position. However, the fact that he rejected Tottenham's long-term contract offer may signal quietly that he is already considering proposals within Europe or from outside.

Whether Son Heung-min's choice will be the last leap on the European stage or a challenge on a new continent remains to be seen. The conclusion will be revealed soon.

손흥민의 선택이 유럽 무대에서의 마지막 도약이 될지 아니면 새로운 대륙에서의 도전일지. 그 결말은 머지않아 공개될 것이다.

[OSEN]