'Where is the future of the legend?' The status of Tottenham Hotspur’s symbol Son Heung-min (33) has emerged as the biggest issue in this summer's transfer market. As the possibility of a move to Fenerbahçe SK materializes, the comments from new head coach Thomas Frank (52) are interpreted as a significant message.

Local media in the UK reported on the 19th (Korean time) that Son Heung-min's transfer rumors were focused upon. The British outlet Team Talk reported that 'Tottenham has set a transfer fee for Son Heung-min, and the possibility of him leaving the team this summer remains open.' Additionally, outlets such as the Mirror, Football London, and Goal.com detailed Son Heung-min's future status.

Son Heung-min left Bayer 04 Leverkusen in 2015 and has acted as the core and symbol of the club for 10 years while wearing the Tottenham jersey. He has recorded 173 goals and 101 assists in 454 matches, especially etching his name in club history by leading Tottenham to its first trophy in 17 years with the 2024 UEFA Europa League victory.

Recently, transfer rumors have intensified. Team Talk reported that 'Son Heung-min met with former Tottenham head coach José Mourinho directly and discussed the possibility of a move to the prestigious Turkish club Fenerbahçe.' Son and Mourinho built a connection during their time together at Tottenham from 2019 to 2021, featuring in 70 matches with 29 goals and 25 assists. His first Premier League hat trick also came under Mourinho.

According to the report, Turkish journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu noted that 'Mourinho and Son have been in contact, and Son has shown a willingness to move to Fenerbahçe. Considering commercial factors, a transfer fee of about 30 million euros (approximately 47.4 billion won) is being demanded.'

In response, the British Mirror stated, 'Mourinho has made Son Heung-min his top target for reinforcement,' adding that Fenerbahçe is bolstering its team to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. Tottenham has extended Son Heung-min's contract until 2026, but the club has stated it will respect the player's wishes and will not prevent a transfer. It has also been reported that a transfer fee of about 25 million pounds (approximately 46.1 billion won) has been set.

Son himself is not denying the possibility of a transfer. After the international match against Kuwait in June, he met at the Seoul World Cup Stadium and stated, 'There is one year left on my contract. Instead of saying something right now, I think everyone should wait a bit. Wherever I play, I will always do my best.'

His silence carries more weight. Football London pointed out that the names of Son Heung-min and Cristian Romero were omitted in the official interview with new Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank. While Coach Frank mentioned Dominic Solanke, Rodrigo Bentancur, and James Maddison, he did not reference Son, the leader group and face of the club. Local media interpreted this as potential internal discussions regarding the possibility of a transfer.

The club is also actively moving from the start of the summer transfer market. The complete acquisitions of Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel have been finalized, and connections with Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford) are ongoing. This is further contributing to the reality of Son Heung-min's transfer possibilities.

In this context, attention is also focused on candidates to succeed Son Heung-min. According to Goal.com, former England winger Shaun Wright-Phillips claimed in a recent interview that 'if Son leaves, Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace) could be a target for Tottenham.'

He assessed, 'Eze is a player who can easily control the rhythm of the game and is a resource Tottenham should bring in for the next step.' However, it was also reported that the priority is Bryan Mbeumo.

Eze is evaluated as a top-level attacking midfielder in the Premier League, based on outstanding ball control, creative dribbling, and the ability to create attacking opportunities with low passes. His decisive goal in the FA Cup final has attracted the attention of big clubs. However, there is also speculation that a transfer could be postponed if Palace qualifies for European competition.

Ultimately, Son Heung-min's future is intertwined with numerous variables. The connection with Mourinho, Tottenham's generational shift, interest from Saudi and Turkish clubs, and the new coach's squad plans... His choice is set to be a decision that goes beyond a simple transfer, impacting the club's identity, direction, and the conclusion of an era.

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