Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur) is once again connected with his former team Bayer Leverkusen.

On the 21st (Korean time), OneFootball cited transfer market insider Ben Jacobs, stating, "Bayer Leverkusen is considering signing Son Heung-min."

Leverkusen is a team familiar to Son. From 2013 to 2015, he played in 87 matches in the Bundesliga, scoring 29 goals and establishing his presence. OneFootball noted that "Leverkusen hopes to reignite past ties," indicating that specific movements are being detected.

However, the variable is "money." It is unclear whether Leverkusen can bear the transfer fee and salary of Son Heung-min. Tottenham extended Son's contract last winter until 2026, protecting his market value, and Son's weekly wage is at a top-level Premier League standard.

Meanwhile, clubs in Saudi Arabia are actively intervening. Multiple clubs, including Al Ahli, Al Nassr, and Al Qadisiya, are aiming for Son Heung-min and are reportedly willing to offer up to €40 million (66.3 billion won) in transfer fees and a salary of €30 million (47.5 billion won). This level is realistically difficult for European clubs to respond to.

Major European media outlets are noting that Son Heung-min's future ultimately depends on his intentions. Many outlets analyzed, "While the financial conditions in Saudi Arabia are attractive, whether Son still wants to compete in a competitive arena is the key variable."

Since 2015, Son Heung-min has been a star player at Tottenham, having appeared in 454 matches and recorded 173 goals and 101 assists. Recently, he has made a mark in the club's history by being part of the Europa League winning team. However, as he enters his mid-30s, concerns about performance fluctuations and aging curve controversies are emerging.

Tottenham may postpone Son Heung-min's transfer issue during the Asia tour. Son is expected to participate in a friendly match against Arsenal in Hong Kong on July 31 and against Newcastle in Seoul on August 3.

BBC noted, "Son Heung-min's participation has a significant impact on Tottenham's revenue structure," adding, "The club may delay the transfer announcement until after the tour, considering the Asian market." Football London also added, "A match in Korea without Son Heung-min is virtually impossible. Concerns about declining revenue within Korea are growing, and the transfer announcement is likely to be postponed until after August."

Recently, after the A-match against Kuwait, Son Heung-min directly expressed his stance. He said, "Fans are curious, and so am I," and added, "I will see what happens in the future. No matter where I am or what role I take, my attitude of giving my best will not change."

[OSEN]