Is the timing right for Son Heung-min (33) and Tottenham Hotspur to choose a beautiful farewell? Chris Waddle (65), a 'Tottenham veteran', advised Son Heung-min to leave the Premier League and embark on a new challenge.
The Tottenham fan community 'Spurs Web' reported on the 27th (Korean time) that "Tottenham star Son Heung-min has been told he could extend his career by two more years if he leaves the team. Tottenham legend Chris Waddle believes that despite the excellent performances Son Heung-min has shown over the past decade, it is now time for both the club and the player to accept reality."
Born in 1960, Waddle was a wing player for the England national team during his active career. He excelled at Newcastle United, Tottenham, and Olympique de Marseille, showcasing his speed and exceptional technique. Currently, he serves as a football expert panelist at the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
Waddle advised that it is now time for him to say goodbye to Tottenham and his junior, Son Heung-min. Spurs Web stated, "Waddle claims that the deadline has passed for Son Heung-min at Tottenham. He believes that this summer, Tottenham should cash in on Son Heung-min. He thinks it has become clear that Son Heung-min can no longer cope with the pace of the Premier League."
Through 'OLBG', Waddle said, "Son Heung-min has been a loyal player for Tottenham, and he seems like a great person. He is one of the most respected football players in the game. But every player has their own deadline," calling for the time to let go of Son Heung-min.
Waddle also pointed out, "If Son Heung-min were playing in another European league, one could say he might have a few more years left. However, the Premier League is fast, physical, and demanding. It requires fresh legs," adding, "To be honest, Son Heung-min had a tough season and couldn't keep up with the pace of the Premier League."
Of course, he did not criticize Son Heung-min's dedication and skills. Waddle emphasized, "But if Son Heung-min goes abroad, he will fit in well," while adding, "Son Heung-min had a wonderful time at Tottenham. He deserves all the applause, and I think everyone will wish him luck. However, as I said, when you reach your 30s, sometimes you have to accept when it's time to end things and move on."
He pointed out that Tottenham should treat Son Heung-min as a legend. Waddle said, "Realistically, Tottenham might want Son Heung-min to go to Saudi Arabia for a good price. However, it would be better for him to move for free to France, Italy, Germany, or Spain. I don't think Tottenham can block his path," urging the club not to be greedy for a large transfer fee.
Son Heung-min's situation for next season is uncertain. He has already been with Tottenham for 10 years, but his contract expires next summer. For Tottenham, this summer is the last chance to sell him and get a transfer fee.
Coincidentally, Son Heung-min is receiving offers from Saudi Arabia. According to British journalist Ben Jacobs, Al Ahli, Al Nassr, and Al Qadsiah are preparing large sums for Son Heung-min's transfer, offering a transfer fee of €40 million (about 63.4 billion won) and total wages of €90 million (about 142.6 billion won) over three years.
Moreover, Son Heung-min won his first trophy last month by defeating Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League (UEL). For this reason, he may feel that now is the timing to leave as a 'legend.'
Both Tottenham and Son Heung-min are preparing for a farewell. British outlet 'Football London' noted, "We are well aware that Son Heung-min is more ready than ever to leave the team." According to 'Sky Sports', Tottenham also plans to respect his wishes if he wants a new challenge.
Ultimately, everything now hinges on Son Heung-min's decision. There have been claims that he left hints about a transfer. Matt Law, a journalist with the British 'Telegraph', recently appeared on the Tottenham-focused podcast 'Last Word on Spurs' and said, "After the final match of the season, Son Heung-min definitely left the impression that he might have played his last game for Tottenham. This was conveyed to the locker room and the surrounding staff."
He added, "The sight of Son Heung-min saying farewell in the summer gave people the impression that he could transfer. He might think that now, with the trophy in hand, it is appropriate for both the club and himself to part ways. If that is the case, he may be willing to engage in transfer negotiations."
Additionally, newly appointed manager Thomas Frank stirred rumors by omitting Son Heung-min's name in his first interview with Tottenham. He chose players he would like to work with, including Dominic Solanke, Rodrigo Bentancur, and James Maddison, while both captain Son Heung-min and vice-captain Cristian Romero were excluded.
It seems that Son Heung-min and Manager Frank will make a decision about the future in August. British outlet 'TBR Football' reported, "From what we've gathered, Frank does not intend to block Son Heung-min's path. He has informed the club that he is open to selling Son Heung-min. Both will discuss his future when he returns for preseason. For now, it is expected that Son Heung-min will stay with the team until Tottenham's Asia tour."
[Photo] Tottenham's social media.
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