Tottenham Hotspur is preparing for a parting with Son Heung-min, calculating its options.
Tottenham Hotspur News reported on the 20th (Korea time) that 'Tottenham is taking very dramatic steps this summer, and Son Heung-min's future is at the center of it.' In particular, with Son Heung-min's contract set to expire in June 2026, there are analyses that Chairman Daniel Levy sees this summer as an ideal time for 'revenue maximization.'
Son Heung-min has been an iconic presence for the team since joining Tottenham in 2015 for ten years. However, he has come under criticism for a decline in performance this season, and reports indicate that he has been included among the team’s 'potential departures' despite his contribution to winning the UEFA Europa League.
The Guardian noted that 'Tottenham may choose to part ways with Son Heung-min, who is among the top earners. While it would be a sad farewell for fans, Tottenham is considering a realistic option.'
However, negotiations for a transfer are expected to be somewhat delayed. The reason is the Asian tour that includes Son Heung-min.
The Sun explained that 'Son Heung-min must participate in the preseason friendly match (against Newcastle) to be held in Seoul in August, as it is stipulated in the marketing contract signed by Tottenham with Korean sponsors.' Due to this clause, it is highly likely that Tottenham will not initiate serious transfer discussions until after completing their preseason schedule.
Amid these commercial interests, the likelihood of Son Heung-min remaining at Tottenham is decreasing. There are even suspicions that Tottenham is calculating to maximize his brand value in the Asian market before immediately entering into transfer fee negotiations.
Football finance expert Dan Plumley said, 'Son Heung-min is not just a football player but a global brand. His economic impact in the Korean market is tremendous,' adding, 'Considering this, it is likely that Tottenham will want a transfer fee of at least £50 million (about 92 billion won).'
He further added, 'If there is a buyout clause in Son Heung-min's contract, that level could be a starting point for negotiations,' noting, 'Tottenham seems to place more importance on added value than on his performance.'
Saudi Arabian clubs have already expressed interest in Son Heung-min. According to TalkSport, three Saudi clubs—Al Ahli, Al Nassr, and Al Qadisiyah—are preparing specific offers for him. The rumored offer amount is around €40 million (approximately 63 billion won). However, Tottenham appears to be hoping for a much higher figure.
Plumley forecasted, 'While Son Heung-min has passed the peak of his career, he still holds significant advertising value and international symbolism,' adding, 'Tottenham will not see any reason to let this player go cheaply.'
Ultimately, Son Heung-min may leave Tottenham while being used as a marketing tool during his last summer. Everything is being quantified in numbers, leaving little room to reflect on a decade of dedication. The interest in Son Heung-min, who stands at the center of the transfer market, is shifting from performance to 'revenue.'
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