Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur) is emerging as a key variable in the summer transfer market of 2025. With only one year remaining until the contract ends, his transfer possibilities are gaining traction as the historic achievement of winning a European competition coincides with a trend of generational change within the team.

In the 2024-2025 UEFA Europa League final, Son Heung-min led the team as captain. This was the European trophy that Tottenham won after 17 years and the first trophy won by Son Heung-min since joining the club. The club officially registered Son Heung-min in the lineage of captains who have lifted European trophies alongside Alan Mullery (1972) and Steve Perryman (1984) to commemorate this achievement.

However, there are analyses indicating that this victory could also be the harbinger of a farewell. Matt Law of The Telegraph noted that "after the final, Son Heung-min seemed to hint at a farewell to teammates and staff in the locker room." Law, a veteran reporter well-versed in issues concerning London clubs, has garnered considerable trust in his statements locally.

Tottenham specialist reporter Alasdair Gold also analyzed, "Son Heung-min is showing an openness to a transfer like never before, and the likelihood of a farewell has significantly increased if a suitable offer arrives." The British outlet TBR Football also reported, "Since Son Heung-min ended this season with the best results, he is preparing for a positive farewell," lending weight to the transfer rumors.

Tottenham's club policy is not unrelated to this. Last winter, the club only exercised a one-year extension option instead of a long-term contract with Son Heung-min, which has been interpreted as a movement to expect a final revenue from the transfer fee. The football specialist outlet Football Insider asserted, "The summer of 2025 is the last point at which Son Heung-min can be monetized, and Tottenham has no compelling reason to keep him."

Already, multiple Saudi Arabian clubs have reportedly offered a transfer fee of £50 million to £60 million (93 billion to 111.6 billion won) for Son Heung-min, and several European clubs are also paying attention to his experience and brand value. Son Heung-min is evaluated not just as a simple power reinforcement but also as a symbolic asset directly linked to the club's commercial revenue.

In particular, Son Heung-min's influence in the Asian market is absolute. Various revenue structures, including jersey sales, broadcasting rights, and global sponsorships, have been built around Son Heung-min, making it complicated for Tottenham to easily decide on a separation.

However, the internal atmosphere at the club is heralding changes. Tottenham sacked manager Ange Postecoglou and appointed Thomas Frank, formerly of Brentford. It is known that Frank has a policy that does not guarantee Son Heung-min a starting position, focusing on team rebuilding and generational change. Spurs Web reported, "Frank has indicated limited roles for Son Heung-min, which could lead him to decide on a transfer."

There are also critical perspectives. Former Tottenham player Jamie O'Hara claimed, "The Premier League is now too fast for Son Heung-min," adding, "If he wants to remain a legend, now is the best time to part ways."

Ultimately, Son Heung-min's transfer decision is likely to be postponed until mid-August. Tottenham will embark on an Asian tour starting from the end of July, and on August 3, they will play a friendly match against Newcastle United at Seoul World Cup Stadium. During this period, Son Heung-min is obligated to play according to his contract, making a transfer difficult. There are analyses indicating that the penalty could reach up to £2 million (approximately 3.7 billion won).

In the end, Son Heung-min's final fate is expected to be decided around mid-August after the conclusion of the Asian tour. Tottenham will face Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in a one-off competition at the UEFA Super Cup on August 13. Initially, a matchup between Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in was anticipated, but with both players caught up in transfer rumors, the possibility of a "Korean derby" is gradually dwindling.

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