Thomas Frank, Tottenham Hotspur's manager, is faced with a tough challenge from the start. There is advice that sending away 'captain' Son Heung-min (33) could lead to losing the support of fans.

The British outlet Football Insider reported on the 22nd (Korean time) that "Son Heung-min's future at Tottenham is still in the balance. He is scheduled for transfer negotiations, and that will determine his future."

The outlet stated, "Son Heung-min has contributed to Tottenham winning their first trophy in 17 years by winning the UEFA Europa League last May. Despite being the favorite player among Tottenham fans, he has only one year left on his contract. He could leave North London this summer."

The possibility of Son Heung-min leaving Tottenham this summer is increasing. His contract expires at the end of the 2025-2026 season. Since it is also Tottenham's last opportunity to sell Son Heung-min and collect a transfer fee, they are reportedly willing to let him go if he wants to leave.

In particular, Son Heung-min is once again receiving intense interest from Saudi Arabia. According to British journalist Ben Jacobs, Al Ahli, Al Nassr, and Al Qadisiyah are preparing a transfer fee of €40 million (63.4 billion won) and an annual salary of €30 million (47.5 billion won) to recruit Son Heung-min. It is a massive contract worth €90 million (approximately 142.6 billion won) over three years.

The decision lies with Son Heung-min. Alasdair Gold of Football London stated, "Ultimately, Son Heung-min must decide his future. He has dedicated 10 years to the club and earned the right to choose as a legend who lifted the club's trophies."

Gold added, "I want to say that the likelihood of Son Heung-min leaving this summer is higher than ever. However, before that, Son Heung-min needs to have a conversation with Coach Frank. This is so that Coach Frank can plan the future including Son Heung-min. If the two have not discussed their future yet, then..."

The meeting between Son Heung-min and Coach Frank is expected to be important. Football London emphasized that "Son Heung-min and Frank need to have an honest conversation about how much the captain wants to leave the team and what plans Frank has for him if Son Heung-min stays. The legend Son Heung-min must shape his own destiny, but Frank's usage and opinions will also play a significant role."

Son Heung-min has also hinted that he may end his 10-year journey with Tottenham. After the recent match against Kuwait, he said, "I'm curious as well. I think it would be good to watch what happens," leaving all possibilities open. This was a significantly different answer from two years ago when he firmly dismissed rumors of a transfer to Saudi Arabia.

There are also opinions that Tottenham should actively pursue the sale of Son Heung-min. Jamie O'Hara, a former Tottenham player, made a rather blunt statement. He said, "If a great opportunity arises, I would let Son Heung-min leave. I believe he has reached his limit as a top-level player. Perhaps he should move to a slower league."

O'Hara further stated, "Now the Premier League is too fast for Son Heung-min. He has lost his speed. While he has been an incredibly loyal player to the club, time passes." He added, "Of course, Son Heung-min is a legend. I hope he can stay at Tottenham and regain his former form, but I wonder if we can see that form again. It seems that such appearances are no longer possible."

Last season, Son Heung-min recorded 7 goals and 13 assists in the Premier League. While it is not a bad record, it is true that he has not been as sharp due to the effects of injuries and aging.

O'Hara remarked, "In the final, Son Heung-min looked heavy-footed. I understand that he is back from an injury, and that's tough. I've been there several times, and it wasn't easy. While there is sympathy, Son Heung-min seemed to have lost the mobility of the past." He noted, "Son Heung-min needs sharpness and explosive speed in the first two or three steps, just like before. In the past, he would touch the ball and quickly outrun opponents, but now it seems he can’t do that."

However, Football Insider warned that if Tottenham sells the legendary Son Heung-min, they may face severe backlash from fans. The outlet noted, "Son Heung-min is the most successful signing for Tottenham in the last 10 years. He joined as a relatively unknown player but became part of the UEFA Europa League win and remains one of the club's greats."

Particularly since Coach Frank has just taken over, he must be cautious. Football Insider highlighted that "Son Heung-min scoring 11 goals in 41 matches last season indicates he can still offer a lot on the pitch," and that "many fans did not welcome the dismissal of Coach Ange Postecoglou. If Frank's first role is to let Son Heung-min leave, it will surely provoke anger from the fanbase."

In fact, Son Heung-min is more than just a mere player for Tottenham. He has been an icon for the club over the past 10 years and a franchise star representing Asia. He has set numerous records on the European stage and etched his name multiple times in Tottenham's history.

If Son Heung-min leaves the team, it will inevitably deal a significant blow in terms of symbolism and marketing. It seems difficult for Coach Frank, who needs to win the support of Tottenham fans, to easily decide on Son Heung-min's future.

[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (reproduction and redistribution prohibited), Football Insider, Tottenham social media.

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