The decision regarding Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur) is expected to be made before the transfer deadline on August 13. With neither staying nor transferring confirmed, a strong analysis indicates that the conclusion is likely to be postponed until 'after the tour' due to the overlap between Tottenham's Asia tour schedule and contract terms.
This summer, the situation surrounding Son Heung-min is intricately entangled. His contract with Tottenham is valid until the summer of 2026, leaving less than a year remaining. Furthermore, with the dismissal of manager Ange Postecoglou and the appointment of Thomas Frank, the team is in a generational transition, making changes in Son Heung-min's utilization and position inevitable.
Both sides have not yet made an official statement. Son Heung-min, who had repeatedly dismissed transfer rumors while showing loyalty, has recently exhibited a more cautious attitude. After finishing the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup last month, when asked about his future, he replied, “There is still time left on my contract. It’s a time that requires patience rather than words. I, too, am curious about my future. I will do my best wherever I am.”
Tottenham's position is also open. They respect that Son Heung-min has dedicated over 10 years to the team and are willing to leave the decision to him. The club has entrusted Son Heung-min with making judgments about his future, including whether he will remain a starter, and has reportedly indicated that they will not strongly dissuade him if he wishes to transfer.
As of now, neither side has even begun serious negotiations. Tottenham is reassessing the entire squad under the new management of Thomas Frank, and a meeting with Son Heung-min, who is a key figure and captain of the team, is also being planned. In this meeting, Frank is expected to explain how he intends to utilize Son Heung-min.
In this context, the likelihood of a short-term transfer for Son Heung-min is decreasing. Tottenham will begin their preseason tour against Arsenal in Hong Kong on July 31, followed by a match against Newcastle United at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on August 3. A tour without Son Heung-min could be a significant blow in terms of revenue, so Tottenham plans to have him join at least for the Asia tour.
In particular, it has been suggested that the contract terms related to the Korea tour may stipulate Son Heung-min's participation as mandatory. It is possible that contracts with multiple sponsors, broadcasters, and event organizers included clauses requiring Son Heung-min's attendance, and failure to comply with this could result in penalties of up to £2 million (37 billion won). Dan Plumley, a financial expert in British football, also noted, “If Son Heung-min has a mandatory participation clause in the contract, it is understandable why Tottenham would keep him throughout the summer.”
Ultimately, the key date is August 13. Tottenham will compete in the UEFA Super Cup that day against Udinese in Italy. Having secured their spot by winning the Europa League last year, Tottenham is set to face PSG (the Champions League winner). Originally anticipated as a matchup between Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in, this match's potential 'Korean Derby' could be undermined by the transfer statuses of both players.
Son Heung-min has served as a symbol for Tottenham for over 10 years, but as his contract nears expiration, his future remains uncertain. Long-term re-signing has fallen through, and Tottenham activated a one-year extension option earlier this year, heightening the likelihood of a transfer. Football Insider stated, “This summer is the last chance for cashing in on Son Heung-min. It wouldn’t be surprising if the club does not prevent him from leaving.”
[OSEN]