On the 3rd (Korean time), 'TBR Football' reported exclusively that "LA FC has initiated discussions about the move to the United States with Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min and is pursuing a surprising contract to bring him to BMO Stadium."
The outlet noted, "Son Heung-min is expected to decide on his future after having direct conversations with manager Thomas Frank upon returning for preseason. However, Frank is open to a transfer, and the final decision rests with the player himself."
LA FC has recently left one slot open for a Designated Player (DP) due to Olivier Giroud's transfer to Ligue 1 Lille. With two out of a total of three slots currently vacant, the conditions for accommodating Son Heung-min's high salary (approximately £190,000 per week, 350 million won) have also been established. As specific movements from MLS and contract structures have been prepared, the scenario for Son Heung-min's 'move to the United States' is approaching reality.
In this context, 'Football Insider' suggested later that same day that "Son Heung-min could leave Tottenham immediately due to variables from Saudi Arabia," raising another possibility.
The outlet reported, "The senior management of Tottenham has a structure that can decide on transfers regardless of manager Frank's intentions, and Saudi Pro League clubs are still preparing lucrative offers for Son Heung-min, meaning the club's leadership could push for the sale of the player."
On the 2nd, the Saudi Football Association announced that it would bring forward the opening date of its summer transfer market from July 20 to July 3. Consequently, the love calls from Saudi Arabia toward Son Heung-min may materialize sooner than expected.
Combining these reports, Son Heung-min is sitting at the negotiation table with LA FC while also receiving active offers from Saudi clubs, and Tottenham may prioritize financial judgments over the manager's intentions in deciding to sell.
Meanwhile, Son Heung-min recorded 11 goals and 12 assists in 46 matches across all competitions, including the Premier League, last season, showcasing solid performance. However, Football Insider pointed out that "Son Heung-min has not been able to show the same explosiveness in the fast-paced English league as before," mentioning the possibility of a club-level 'transition judgment.'
'TBR Football' also analyzed, "Son Heung-min has the opportunity to bid farewell at the most beautiful moment as a legend at Tottenham," suggesting that a move to the United States could be a reasonable choice for both the club and the player.
After playing as the symbol of Tottenham for 10 years, will Son Heung-min's next destination be the United States or Saudi Arabia? As negotiations become more concrete, the club's internal judgments are aligning, and the clock on Son Heung-min's transfer is ticking faster.
10년간 토트넘의 상징으로 활약해온 손흥민의 다음 행선지는 미국일까, 사우디일까. 점점 구체화되는 협상과 더불어 구단 내부의 판단이 맞물리며, 손흥민의 이적 시계는 점점 빨라지고 있다.
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