Son Heung-min (33) may no longer be the 'main character' of Tottenham. The first message from the new head coach Thomas Frank was resolute.
Tottenham correspondent Alasdair Gold reported on the 2nd (Korea time) that 'Frank had a direct meeting with Son. There, Frank made it clear that if Son stays with the team, he would have no choice but to remain in a supporting role rather than as a starter. He also communicated that if Son wishes to transfer, the club is willing to accommodate this.'
In other words, Frank has excluded Son from the starting plans for next season. This declaration, stating that Son, who is a symbol and the captain of Tottenham, will not be guaranteed a starting position, can be interpreted as an indirect message to 'consider a transfer.'
Since joining Tottenham in 2015 wearing the club's jersey, Son has secured his position as a starter from his second season and has established himself as the face of the team. With over 100 goals in the Premier League alone, he has grown into Asia's top striker and a representative player for Tottenham. However, last season, he recorded only 7 goals and 9 assists in the league, which fell short of expectations, and his streak of achieving over 10 goals for nine consecutive years ultimately ended.
However, it is difficult to conclude that his influence has disappeared. He was the captain who led the team to victory in the Premier League Europa League and still enjoys strong support from fans. Nevertheless, the new manager Frank has chosen the future over the past. Frank, who has hinted at a generational change, seems to view Son's transfer as the optimal solution while facing the challenge of simultaneously addressing the club's finances and squad restructuring.
In fact, there are discussions within Tottenham about securing funds through the sale of Son. According to a recent fan survey conducted by Football London, 57% of respondents answered that 'transferring Son to Saudi Arabia is the best option.' It has also been analyzed that if he chooses to go to the Middle East, Tottenham could secure up to €90 million (142.6 billion won) in transfer revenue.
Additionally, new possibilities are emerging. There are rumors of a transfer to Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States. Currently, world-class stars such as Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez are active in the MLS, and there are projections that Son could also take a similar path.
Former Tottenham coach Mauricio Pochettino is currently leading the U.S. national team, and former coach Ange Postecoglou has emerged as a strong candidate for the new head coach of LAFC. Both coaches have deep connections with Son, and considering the Asian population and commercial base in the U.S., a move to 'America' is a card that could be held until after retirement.
One variable remains. It is the 'Coupang Play Series.' Tottenham will face Newcastle United in a preseason match at Seoul World Cup Stadium on Aug. 3. It has been reported that the contract with the organizers includes a clause stating that if Son misses the match, Tottenham would have to pay a penalty. Ultimately, the decision regarding the transfer is likely to be settled around the time of this match.
In Frank's plans, Son is no longer the center. The notification of not competing for a starting position but rather being in a 'supporting role' is essentially close to a farewell declaration. The ball is now in Son's court.
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