Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) is not a starter for Tottenham next season.
Thomas Frank, the new manager of Tottenham, dealt a heavy blow to Son Heung-min.
Tottenham correspondent Alasdair Gold reported on the 2nd, "Frank met with Son Heung-min to make a decision about the future. Frank approved that other teams could sign Son Heung-min. Frank made it clear that if Son Heung-min remains at Tottenham, he could take on a supporting role."
Manager Frank clearly communicated that Son Heung-min is not part of next season's squad planning. Ultimately, if Son Heung-min wants to play more as a starter, he must transfer to another team. If Son Heung-min wants to remain at Tottenham, he must be prepared to play as a bench player.
Son Heung-min, who joined Tottenham in 2015, secured a regular starting position from his second season. Last season, Son scored 7 goals and had 9 assists, failing to reach 10 goals for the ninth consecutive season. Although his skills have declined, Son remains the captain and a key player for the team.
To ask Son Heung-min to accept a bench role is virtually a call for him to transfer. No matter how much of a Tottenham legend Son may be, these are conditions that are hard to accept. With his pride severely hurt, the possibility of Son Heung-min transferring has increased.
Manager Frank has declared a generational change at Tottenham. The intent to transfer Son Heung-min, who is on the decline at 33, is clear. The money from selling Son could be used to bring in younger and more promising players.
For Tottenham to maximize its benefits, it would be better for Son Heung-min to go to Saudi Arabia. British media outlet Football London reported on the 27th that a whopping 57% of respondents said Son should be sold to Saudi Arabia. If Son moves to Saudi Arabia, it is calculated that Tottenham could secure a transfer fee of 90 million euros (around 142.6 billion won).
A new option has emerged that Son Heung-min could transfer to Major League Soccer in the United States. Superstars past their prime, such as Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, have made similar decisions while playing in MLS.
Mauricio Pochettino, the former Tottenham manager, is now the coach of the U.S. national team. Ange Postecoglou, another former Tottenham manager, is rising as a candidate for the next head coach of LAFC. There is speculation that he could bring Son Heung-min along.
The soccer market in the United States is growing tremendously. There is a significant Korean population in Los Angeles. If Son Heung-min spends his later years in the U.S., he can also prepare for life after being a player.
The conclusion regarding Son Heung-min's transfer is likely to come after August 3. Tottenham is scheduled to play an exhibition match against Newcastle at Seoul World Cup Stadium on August 3. It is reported that if Son is absent, a clause requiring Tottenham to pay a penalty to the organizers has been included.
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