“Captain, legend, happy birthday to Son Heung-min.”
Tottenham Hotspur celebrated Son Heung-min's 33rd birthday on the 8th (Korean time) through their official channel. It was a meaningful message for Son, who has been a symbol and captain of the team for the past 10 years. However, even amid the celebratory atmosphere, Son's future remains uncertain.
Son Heung-min extended his contract until the summer of 2026 by activating a one-year extension option with Tottenham last January. However, this was merely a short-term measure. Currently, he is contemplating whether to leave the team after this season or to continue until retirement.
SpursWeb reported, “Son Heung-min has decided to stay with Tottenham for another season. This choice reflects his loyalty to the club and his desire to challenge for the UEFA Champions League.” Tottenham Hotspur News also reported, “Son Heung-min is ready to face Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the upcoming UEFA Super Cup and is prepared to take on the role of a mentor for younger players.”
Since joining Tottenham in 2015 after leaving Bayer Leverkusen, Son Heung-min has recorded 173 goals and 94 assists in 454 matches, marking him as the 5th highest scorer and 6th in all-time appearances in Tottenham’s history. He has established himself as a ‘Tottenham legend’ through his impressive achievements including being the Premier League's top scorer, winning the Puskas Award, reaching the Champions League final, and winning the UEFA Europa League.
However, as Son Heung-min approaches his mid-30s, the club's need for change has become apparent. Tottenham has been hesitant to pursue long-term contracts and opted for a short-term extension last winter. In the midst of tactical changes and generational shifts within the team, Son's role may also be adjusted.
In particular, this summer, rumors of Son Heung-min's transfer are hotter than ever. Several clubs in Saudi Arabia, such as Al Ittihad, Al Nassr, Al Ahli, and Al Qadisiyah, have entered the fray, offering hefty salaries to lure Son. It is also reported that Fenerbahçe in Turkey, managed by Taxes Mourinho, has shown interest. Recently, LAFC in MLS has also expressed interest in Son, raising the possibility of a move to the United States.
However, with Tottenham's preseason Asia tour scheduled, an immediate transfer is unlikely. De Sun noted, “Son Heung-min is expected to return to team training this week and will directly discuss his future with the new head coach Thomas Frank,” predicting that this meeting will be a significant turning point regarding his potential transfer.
Under coach Frank, the possibility of a position change for Son Heung-min has also been discussed. While his explosiveness as a winger has somewhat diminished, his utilisability as a striker or in a two-top formation remains highly regarded. Given that Mathys Tel, who was signed from Bayern Munich, has not yet firmly secured a starting position, Son's experience and stability could be a great asset.
SpursWeb emphasized, “Son Heung-min plays a pivotal role as a mental pillar in helping younger players adapt in the dressing room, and he has significant influence even outside of the field. His decision to stay with the team deserves full respect.”
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