Son Heung-min (33) is being consolidated with Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States.
British media outlet Football London reported on the 30th of last month (Korean time) that "MLS and Saudi Arabia clubs are showing interest in signing Son Heung-min. Son, who is scheduled to join Tottenham's preseason training, plans to discuss his future with new head coach Thomas Frank."
It noted, "Son Heung-min is showing a more open attitude toward a transfer this summer. Having already won the trophies desired at Tottenham, he is considering new challenges."
Since joining Tottenham in 2015, Son Heung-min has played 454 matches and scored 173 goals and provided 101 assists over 10 years. However, there are analyses suggesting he has entered the aging curve for the 2024-2025 season.
Last season, Son Heung-min managed to record 7 goals and 10 assists in the league, ending his streak of two-digit goals over 8 seasons. Nevertheless, he led Tottenham to a Europa League title, lifting the club's first trophy, achieving everything he wanted at the club.
Many analyses suggest that now is the right time for a beautiful farewell between Tottenham and Son Heung-min.
Tottenham has stated that they will respect Son Heung-min's wishes. If he requests a transfer, the club will not forcibly keep him.
Currently, Son Heung-min's contract with Tottenham runs until June 2026.
British outlet The Telegraph recently reported that "Son Heung-min has already hinted at parting ways with his teammates," creating an atmosphere that the farewell is becoming a foregone conclusion.
Son Heung-min has been keeping his words to a minimum. After an A-match with Kuwait in June, he stated, "Let's see what happens in the future. I'm curious too." This is a different atmosphere compared to when he strongly denied transfer rumors in the past.
Clubs like Al Ahli, Al Nassr, and Al Qadsiah from Saudi Arabia, along with MLS in the United States, are emerging as possible destinations for Son Heung-min.
The United States will host the North America World Cup in 2026. Consequently, the American soccer market has been rapidly growing. If Son Heung-min continues his career in the United States, it could be a meaningful step for his last World Cup.
If Son Heung-min joins MLS, he will become the ninth South Korean player to play in the top tier of American soccer. Previously, Hong Myung-bo, Lee Young-pyo, Hwang In-beom, Kim Moon-hwan, Kim Ki-hee, Kim Jun-hong, Jung Sang-bin, and Jung Ho-yeon have all played in the MLS stage.
If Son Heung-min heads to the U.S. league, he could frequently meet global soccer legend Lionel Messi (38, Inter Miami).
British BBC reported on the 2nd, "MLS Inter Miami is confident in securing a new contract with Messi, whose contract expires in December."
Messi is considering staying in the U.S. as he aims to participate in the North America World Cup while wearing the Argentina uniform.
Meanwhile, Son Heung-min will accompany Tottenham on their Asian preseason tour this summer. He will participate in the Coupang Play Series match against Newcastle on August 3rd at Seoul World Cup Stadium, meeting domestic fans.
BBC predicts that "even if Son Heung-min's transfer is decided, the official announcement is likely to come after the Asian tour ends."
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