'The peak Son Heung-min' is no longer, as pointed out. Son Heung-min (33), who was called the symbol of Tottenham and the representative face of Asian football, is facing a cold evaluation that only 'the value as a brand' remains with the possibility of transfer.

Chris Waddle, a former Tottenham player, said, 'It is now time for Son Heung-min to accept reality,' offering a cautious yet firm remark.

Waddle noted on the 28th (Korean time) through Spurs Web, 'Son Heung-min was a great player and is a respected figure. However, in a league like the Premier League, all players have an expiration date.'

He added, 'In other European leagues like France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, it wouldn't be difficult for Son Heung-min to play for another two years, but the current Premier League is a physically demanding stage.'

The changed atmosphere at Tottenham is also increasing the anxiety about Son Heung-min's position. New coach Thomas Frank mentioned expected players for the new season, such as Dominic Solanke, James Maddison, and Rodrigo Bentancur, in a media interview shortly after his appointment, but Son Heung-min's name was not mentioned even once.

Based on this, local media in the UK reported, 'Son Heung-min is effectively a player who has moved out of Coach Frank's plans, and even if he stays, there is a high likelihood of being used as a limited rotation resource.' Waddle also evaluated, 'Last season, Son Heung-min's movement seemed difficult to handle at the Premier League level,' and added, 'It is a time for both the player and the club to make a cold judgment.'

Son Heung-min recorded 11 goals and 11 assists in 46 games during the 2024-2025 season, but there were many disappointing indicators compared to his peak impact. Key attacking data, such as dribble breakthrough, shooting accuracy, and sprint figures, all showed a downward trend, revealing limits in stamina and speed.

Additionally, the rumors of Son Heung-min's transfer are gaining momentum. TalkSports reported that major clubs in Saudi Arabia, including Al Ahli, Al Nassr, and Al Qadisiyyah, are approaching Son Heung-min and are prepared to offer a transfer fee of €40 million (63 billion won).

Waddle emphasized, 'Now is the most realistic time to transfer Son Heung-min,' and remarked, 'From Tottenham's perspective, this is the last opportunity to gain revenue.' Ian Darke, a commentator who has worked with BBC and ESPN, also noted, 'Son Heung-min is now closer to a marketing brand than a superstar in his prime,' indicating that the transfer could be a commercially driven decision rather than one focused on performance.

Within Tottenham, the use of Son Heung-min is increasingly focused on commercial purposes. He must appear during Tottenham's Asia tour (including Seoul) this summer, and Tottenham is preparing various promotions and events centered around Son Heung-min until the friendly match against Newcastle on August 3. Therefore, the official transfer announcement is likely to be postponed until after the Asia tour.

Of course, there are some opinions hoping for Son Heung-min's stay. Matthew Abbott of Football London predicted, 'If Son Heung-min stays with Tottenham next season, the club will gain a value higher than any transfer fee,' and added, 'If he stays with the team this summer and regains his form, the possibility of a contract renewal remains open.'

[OSEN]