Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) chose to stay, but his presence in the summer transfer market remains significant. Contract conditions, the club's commercial strategies, and movements for alternative resources have intertwined, making his future a complex issue beyond a simple 'transfer status.'
British outlets 'Sports Mole' and 'Team Talk' reported on the 7th (Korean time), "Son Heung-min has ultimately rejected an offer from Major League Soccer (MLS) LA FC." Despite realistic transfer factors such as a reunion with Hugo Lloris, the departure of striker Olivier Giroud, and LA's continued courting, it is reported that he does not wish to part ways at this stage.
The decisive factor was commercial interests. Tottenham has a preseason friendly match scheduled against Newcastle United in Seoul on August 3. Playing this match without Son Heung-min would be tantamount to inviting a 'box office failure' for the club. 'Team Talk' pointed out, "At this point, Son Heung-min's move to the U.S. is difficult to understand."
Son Heung-min's contract will expire in June 2026. This means he can freely contact other clubs starting in January, and the club sees this summer as the last chance to recover substantial transfer fees. However, under new manager Thomas Frank, Tottenham's position is to respect the player’s wishes and negotiate his future through subsequent meetings.
Son Heung-min is also contemplating various possibilities. He is concurrently considering multiple scenarios, including extending his contract, staying for another year and leaving on a free transfer, or making a transfer this summer.
Interest from clubs in the Middle East and Turkey remains active alongside LA. In particular, the proposals from Saudi Arabian clubs have continued to pursue with attractive salary offers. 'The Mirror' stated, "If Son Heung-min transfers to Saudi Arabia, he could receive a significantly higher salary than currently." They appear to be working with free agency in mind, aiming for the contract expiration date.
Tottenham is also simultaneously working on plans for life after Son Heung-min. Key player Mohammed Kudus (25) from West Ham United wishes to transfer to Tottenham, and negotiations between the two clubs are ongoing. 'Sky Sports' reported, "Tottenham initially offered £50 million (approximately 93.3 billion won), but West Ham rejected it." Kudus is said to have already agreed on personal terms with Tottenham.
Additionally, Mathys Tel, who was on loan from Bayern Munich, has completed a permanent transfer, and youth academy graduate Mikey Moore is also included in the long-term plans. On the other hand, Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace has been sidelined in priority.
Son Heung-min has played a total of 454 matches for Tottenham, scoring 173 goals and providing 101 assists, establishing himself as a symbol of the club. In particular, winning the UEFA Europa League last season was a significant turning point in his career. However, his remaining task now is 'how he will say goodbye.'
This summer, a transfer may not happen immediately. Rather, movements in the January winter transfer market or after the contract expiration may be more realistic scenarios.
However, the last preseason match to be held in Korea this summer is expected to be an emotionally and strategically important juncture for both Son Heung-min and Tottenham. All doors are still open, and the moment of the 'final choice' has not yet arrived.
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