Is Tottenham legend Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) playing his last game in Korea?
Tottenham will face Newcastle United in a friendly match on Aug. 3 at Seoul World Cup Stadium.
Tottenham has achieved tremendous box office success in Korea by hosting many friendlies using Son Heung-min. In the series first held in 2022, Tottenham won 6-3 against Team K League. Tottenham drew 1-1 with Sevilla.
Harry Kane and other Tottenham teammates had a great time with Son Heung-min in Korea. Tottenham showed off its prowess as a national team by selling out all tickets. The huge effect of Korean marketing was felt.
Tottenham returned to Korea in 2024 as well, winning 4-3 against Team K League. Yang Min-hyeok, who confirmed his signing with Tottenham, played as a representative of K League. Tottenham also faced Bayern Munich, losing 1-2. The matchup between Son Heung-min and Kim Min-jae was turned into revenue as one of the biggest box office draws in Korean football.
After enjoying substantial revenue from Son Heung-min marketing, Tottenham will visit Korea again this year. However, this trip differs from the last one. There is a plan to generate final revenue from Son Heung-min, who is embroiled in transfer rumors.
Former Tottenham scout Brian King noted, 'If a Saudi club wants to acquire Son Heung-min, Tottenham will demand £100 million (about 185.1 billion won). Tottenham believes it can receive that amount of money. The team acquiring Son Heung-min can generate tremendous marketing revenue due to his incredible popularity in Korea. It is an unbelievably large amount.'
Three Saudi clubs want Son Heung-min. Naturally, the competition is driving up his market value. However, the £100 million Tottenham desires is an amount beyond imagination, even with Saudi Arabia's vast funds.
If Tottenham transfers Son Heung-min before Aug. 3, the worst-case scenario could occur, where he might not play in the match in Korea. Fans who bought tickets to see Son Heung-min could suffer significant losses. This could repeat the 'Day of the Calamity' incident involving Ronaldo in 2019.
From Son Heung-min's perspective, he would want to greet home fans even if he were to transfer. However, ominous forecasts have emerged that Tottenham could sell Son Heung-min before that. Even if they incur a penalty for not having Son Heung-min play, the revenue from selling him to Saudi Arabia would be far greater. This indicates that they would prioritize making money off Son Heung-min, regardless of Korean fans.
'Tottenham News' reported, 'Currently, the possibility of Son Heung-min leaving Tottenham is 50%. Son Heung-min is under contract to participate in the match against Newcastle on Aug. 3 in Seoul. If Son Heung-min does not play, Tottenham will have to pay a penalty. Coach Thomas Frank may not have the chance to work with Son Heung-min.'
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