Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) is getting closer to parting ways with Tottenham. In the local UK media, there are analyses suggesting that "goodbyes may have already been said."
On the 29th of last month (Korean time), Tottenham specialist media SpursWeb reported that Son Heung-min "may have already parted ways internally with the club," noting that "internal confidence in the possibility of a summer transfer is growing stronger." There is a prospect that the relationship between Son Heung-min and Tottenham, which has lasted for 10 years, may come to an end with the trophy of winning the Europa League.
This atmosphere is also confirmed through an analysis by Dan Kilpatrick of The Athletic on the 30th. According to TeamTalk, he said, "Son Heung-min's performance last season was not as good as before. After winning a trophy and with only one year left on his contract, parting ways may be a wise choice for everyone."
In particular, he mentioned that "a transfer could be realized after the Korea tour," predicting that while Son Heung-min would stay with the team for the preseason tour for marketing purposes, the possibility of a transfer afterward is substantial.
Son Heung-min's future has been addressed by various media in recent weeks. Multiple clubs, including Saudi Arabia and Turkey's Fenerbahçe SK, are said to be monitoring Son Heung-min, and The Times analyzed that "Son Heung-min, who previously rejected offers from Saudi Arabia, is now showing a more open attitude."
The Saudi league has a structure that maximizes broadcasting revenue through a strategy of acquiring representative players from each country, and Son Heung-min is one of the most influential stars in the East Asian market. Considering Son Heung-min's declining market value and the expiration of his contract, this summer is the right time for a transfer for Tottenham.
In fact, according to the transfer specialist site Transfermarkt, Son Heung-min's market value plummeted from €30 million in March to €20 million as of May. If Tottenham does not want to lose him on a free transfer, this summer may be their last opportunity to recover the transfer fee.
Meanwhile, Dan Kilpatrick reported that Tottenham is deeply concerned about the future of another key resource, Cristian Romero. He explained, "Romero is a player who has proven his leadership as the captain of a World Cup-winning team. He is one of the few 'real leaders' in the team, so it is difficult to let him go easily," but added, "Since he only has two years left on his contract, the club has no choice but to consider good offers."
Tottenham will play against Newcastle United in the Coupang Play Series on August 3 in Seoul. Son Heung-min is likely to remain with the team for that tour, and a final decision is expected to be made afterward.
As the end of a decade-long partnership approaches, Tottenham must make a strategic decision. Now is the 'time for decision' for both the team and Son Heung-min.
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