Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur) is at the center of transfer rumors that are heating up again across Europe and the Middle East. With just a year remaining until the end of his contract, differences in position between the coaching staff and front office at Tottenham have surfaced, complicating Son's future movements.
Tottenham Hotspur News reported on the 21st (Korea time) that "Son Heung-min's contract with Tottenham has been extended until June 2026, but there are various rumors mixed with the possibility of a move to Saudi Arabia and a reunion with taxes Mourinho."
The most concrete offers have come from the Middle East. Reports indicate that Saudi professional league teams Al Ahli, Al Nassr, and Al Qadisiyah are in the midst of behind-the-scenes contact for Son Heung-min's transfer, with a payment of 40 million euros (63.2 billion won) being prepared.
On the other hand, in Europe, Son Heung-min's former team, Bayer Leverkusen of the German Bundesliga, is being mentioned again as a candidate for acquisition. OneFootball quoted transfer market expert Ben Jacobs as saying that "Leverkusen is seriously considering acquiring Son Heung-min."
Son Heung-min joined Leverkusen in 2013 and made 87 official appearances over two seasons, scoring 29 goals and providing 11 assists, solidifying his position on the European stage.
Leverkusen is seeking to strengthen its attack with experienced forwards, but high transfer fees may pose a budgetary burden for the club. Local media analyzed that "Leverkusen is preparing a salary package of 30 million euros (47.4 billion won) for Son Heung-min, which could be a realistic alternative for him as he weighs his options for a move to Saudi Arabia."
Meanwhile, the atmosphere within Tottenham is also tense. Chairman Daniel Levy has reportedly placed Son Heung-min on the sale list this summer, but newly appointed head coach Thomas Frank shows a different perspective. Frank noted that "developing young players is important, but experienced resources are also crucial," expressing that Son could play a key role in the upcoming season.
If Levy is pushing for the sale of Son Heung-min under the banner of "business logic," then Coach Frank is considering practical utilization of the team’s resources. There is a possibility that differences of opinion exist within the club's leadership regarding whether to dispose of Son.
Moreover, Son Heung-min's global brand value remains an asset that brings significant revenue to the club. Tottenham Hotspur News explained that "Son Heung-min's international influence is something Levy has directly experienced, which complicates any simple judgment regarding his transfer."
In fact, former Tottenham scout Brian Kean stated that "thanks to Son Heung-min, just one preseason match held in Korea generates about 1 million pounds (about 1.8 billion won) in revenue," adding that "the commercial loss incurred if he leaves the team cannot be overlooked."
Kean also mentioned, "Son has never publicly expressed his intention to transfer, and there may be contract clauses requiring him to participate in this Asia tour." In particular, the upcoming match against Newcastle scheduled in Seoul in August is expected to be a significant turning point in determining Son's future.
As of now, while various scenarios are possible, local consensus indicates that it will not be easy for Tottenham to hastily let go of their captain, Son Heung-min. Son has made 454 appearances for Tottenham, scored 173 goals, and recorded 101 assists since joining the club, and he left a mark in team history by leading them to victory in the UEFA Europa League last season.
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