What kind of ripple effect will Daniel Levy's choice as chairman of Tottenham Hotspur create? There are reports that Son Heung-min (33) is contemplating a transfer due to the dismissal of Ange Postecoglou.
The Tottenham fan community 'Spurs Web' reported on the 20th (Korea time) that "Fabrizio Romano made an interesting claim about Son Heung-min and Postecoglou. He highlighted how Postecoglou's dismissal has affected Son Heung-min's chances of staying at Tottenham."
The media noted that "many Tottenham fans have already given up on the possibility of Son Heung-min's departure, based on the emotions expressed on social media. This speculation intensified, particularly after newly appointed coach Thomas Frank did not mention Son Heung-min as one of the players he wants to have with him in his first interview as Tottenham's head coach."
However, it is still too early for Tottenham fans to give up on Son Heung-min. Spurs Web explained that "Romano believes that the legendary Son Heung-min should not lose the possibility of staying at Tottenham. According to him, Tottenham has not made a final decision yet. Interestingly, it is said that Son Heung-min's stay would have been guaranteed if Postecoglou had not left."
With Son Heung-min's future uncertain, the European football transfer market expert Romano, known for 'Here we go,' has spoken. He stated, "Nothing has been decided regarding Son Heung-min yet. Especially from the player's side. He needs to make a decision after talking with Frank."
Romano also revealed a somewhat surprising story that Son Heung-min would have stayed 100% if Tottenham had not fired Postecoglou. He added, "If Postecoglou had remained as Tottenham's head coach, Son Heung-min would always stay at Tottenham. There is strong interest from Saudi Arabia in him."
Tottenham ended a 17-year trophy drought by winning the UEFA Europa League (UEL) last month. Son Heung-min also shed tears of joy as he lifted his first career trophy.
However, Chairman Levy made the decision to dismiss Postecoglou. This has led to dissatisfaction within the Tottenham squad. The British 'Telegraph' reported, "Tottenham is facing a rebellion from its players. Anger exploded after Postecoglou was brutally dismissed just 16 days after winning the Europa League. Some players are looking to leave the team, and there is a sense that Son Heung-min may also leave Tottenham."
Moreover, the newly appointed coach Frank did not mention Son Heung-min's name in his first interview after taking over. He selected Dominic Solanke, Rodrigo Bentancur, and James Maddison as players he wants to work with, both of whom have been linked with transfer rumors, excluding the captain Son Heung-min and vice-captain Cristian Romero.
As a result, speculation regarding Son Heung-min's departure is growing. The British 'Football London' noted that "While Frank discussed his plans for veteran players, neither Son Heung-min nor Romero were even mentioned."
Son Heung-min was appointed as captain under Postecoglou's regime and led the team for two years. However, his position is now wavering as he has only one year left on his contract and Postecoglou has also left the team.
Tottenham has stated that they will not prevent Son Heung-min if he wishes to end his 10-year affiliation with the club. The British 'Sky Sports' reported, "If Son Heung-min desires a new challenge, the club will respect his choice. If a satisfactory offer arrives, they will enter negotiations."
The possibility of Son Heung-min leaving Tottenham this summer is increasing. Football London stated, "We are well aware that the chances of captain Son Heung-min leaving Tottenham are greater than ever. After spending 10 years at Tottenham and finally achieving the goal of winning a trophy he has always aimed for, he is now more open to leaving the club this summer if a suitable contract is agreed upon for all parties."
Now that Son Heung-min has fulfilled his dream, he may leave Tottenham as a legend. In fact, he has seen a significant reduction in playing time this season due to injuries and aging, even starting on the bench for the UEL final. Football London highlighted, "In an interview conducted ahead of the Europa League final, he admitted that the reason he remained at Tottenham was ultimately due to his desire to bring a trophy to the club."
In particular, Son Heung-min is receiving intense interest from Saudi Arabia, which boasts 'oil money' once again. Clubs like Al Ahli, Al Nassr, and Al Qadisiyah are reportedly vying for him. According to British journalist Ben Jacobs, the three Saudi clubs are preparing transfer fees of €40 million (approximately 63.4 billion won) and an annual salary of €30 million (approximately 47.5 billion won). The contract would be a massive deal, totaling around 142.6 billion won over three years.
This past summer, Son Heung-min also received a huge offer from Al Ittihad. At the time, he stated, "Money is not important. What matters is playing in a league I love," but his stance has changed recently. After a match against Kuwait, he said, "Right now, waiting seems right. I am also curious. It is difficult to predict what will happen. It seems best to wait and see what occurs," keeping all possibilities open.
Tottenham appears to be preparing for the possibility of Son Heung-min's departure. Several forwards, including Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth), Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford), and George Weah (Juventus), are already being linked with Tottenham.
Spurs Web stated, "Whether Frank has made a decision regarding the captain Son Heung-min's future or not, it seems unlikely that he did not discuss it with the club's recruitment department. According to reports, Frank has already clearly identified transfer targets since joining Tottenham. A clear judgment regarding Son Heung-min's potential stay could have been made."
Additionally, the media reported, "According to some sources, Tottenham plans to demand a transfer fee of £50 million (approximately 92.6 billion won) from Saudi clubs this summer. If this amount is met, it will be hard for Son Heung-min to refuse, given he will be turning 33 in two weeks." This suggests that if the valuation issue is resolved, Son Heung-min's departure is more likely.
[Photo] Son Heung-min, Premier League, Tottenham social media.
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