If true, this story will shock many fans. Tottenham Hotspur has decided to part ways with 'Captain' Son Heung-min (33) and is already looking for a replacement.
Tottenham News, which covers Tottenham news, reported on the 20th (Korean time) that "Son Heung-min's departure is 'almost certain.' Tottenham is moving to sign a player to replace him."
The media noted, "For most fans, the last memory of Son Heung-min is lifting the UEFA Europa League trophy while wearing the Tottenham uniform. This is a good way to say goodbye to the North London club," and added, "The Korean national player Son Heung-min still has one year left on his contract with Tottenham, but his future is uncertain."
Now, the situation is weighted with goodbyes. Tottenham News claimed, "According to sources, Son Heung-min has only a 50% chance of staying with Tottenham. However, as a new phase begins, his chances of remaining at Tottenham appear to be decreasing."
Son Heung-min is increasingly likely to leave Tottenham this summer. His contract will expire at the end of the 2025-2026 season. As this is Tottenham's last chance to sell Son Heung-min for a transfer fee, they are reported to be ready to let him go if he wishes to leave.
The British publication Football London also reported, "We know that captain Son Heung-min is more likely than ever to leave Tottenham. After spending 10 years at Tottenham and achieving his long-held goal of winning a trophy, he is now more open to leaving the club this summer if a deal suitable for all parties can be reached."
Tottenham won the UEFA Europa League final last month, defeating Manchester United. This marked the end of a 17-year trophy drought and the club's first European title in 41 years. Son Heung-min also held up a trophy for the first time in his club career, shedding tears of joy.
Now that Son Heung-min has achieved his dream, he could leave Tottenham as a legend. In fact, he started on the bench in the Europa League final, and due to lingering effects of injuries and the aging curve, his playing time has significantly decreased this season. Football London pointed out, "In an interview before the Europa League final, he acknowledged that his reason for staying at Tottenham was finally to bring a trophy to the club."
In particular, Son Heung-min is receiving renewed interest from Saudi Arabia, which is again showcasing 'oil money.' Clubs like Al Ahli, Al Nassr, and Al Qadisiyah are reportedly interested in him. According to British journalist Ben Jacobs, the three Saudi clubs are preparing a transfer fee of €40 million (63.4 billion won) and an annual salary of €30 million (47.5 billion won). This amounts to a colossal contract worth about 142.6 billion won over three years.
Son Heung-min was offered an extraordinary sum by Al Ittihad last summer. Nonetheless, he remarked at the time, "Money isn’t important right now. What's important is playing in a league I enjoy," but recently his stance appears to have changed.
After the match against Kuwait, Son Heung-min said, "Now is the time to wait. I'm curious myself. It's hard to predict what will happen. It’s better to watch what unfolds," keeping all possibilities for the future open. Clearly, Son Heung-min's attitude toward transfer rumors has significantly changed in the past two years.
Meanwhile, the possibility of a move to Turkey has also emerged. Fenerbahce, managed by Jose Mourinho, is aggressively pursuing Son Heung-min. However, Tottenham is reportedly asking for a transfer fee of around €30 million (about 47.2 billion won), making it seem challenging. Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu recently reported, "Son Heung-min wants to work with Mourinho again. However, the potential is very slim due to the transfer fee."
Nevertheless, Tottenham seems to be preparing to part ways with Son Heung-min. According to French publication Foot Mercato, the newly appointed manager Thomas Frank has already requested the club to acquire Juventus’ 2000-born forward Timothy Weah.
Tottenham News stated, "Weah, a U.S. national player, is currently active at Juventus and will only leave for a new club if he is guaranteed first-team playing time," adding that "Tottenham could sell Son Heung-min if another winger joins. If a deal is made with Weah, Tottenham will likely be able to cash in on Son Heung-min. This could maximize financial revenue through Son Heung-min's high market value."
Of course, Weah is certainly not a player who can replace Son Heung-min in terms of skill. Therefore, Tottenham is highly likely to try to maximize the amount they can receive for Son Heung-min's transfer fee.
Tottenham News commented, "Despite his age, Son Heung-min is a proven world-class forward. Tottenham will demand a significant sum for his transfer fee. In particular, Son Heung-min is receiving interest from Saudi and European clubs. This will help Tottenham reinvest in squad depth or acquire new players."
The media emphasized, "Weah, a versatile winger from Juventus, possesses speed and potential, but lacks consistency and scoring ability compared to Son Heung-min. He does not reach elite levels like Son Heung-min. Tottenham must aim for top-level strikers to effectively fill his absence and maintain outstanding performances like Son Heung-min."
Meanwhile, it seems that even if Son Heung-min ends his 10-year partnership with Tottenham this summer, he will likely leave only at the last moment of the transfer market. This is again because Tottenham has a preseason tour scheduled in Korea. According to the British BBC and Times, it is highly likely that Son Heung-min will travel to Korea with Tottenham and will decide his future only after completing the tour.
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