The possibility of Son Heung-min's (33, Tottenham Hotspur) transfer is rising again in the face of a massive offer from Saudi Arabia. However, there are repeated warnings from local UK sources stating that "transferring Son Heung-min is tantamount to self-harm."
Football Insider criticized strongly on the 9th (Korea time) that 'Tottenham should not let Son Heung-min go this summer,' stating that transferring him now, after regaining a place in the UEFA Champions League, is not only surprising but strategically very foolish.
Son Heung-min has dedicated ten years to the club since transferring from Bayer Leverkusen to Tottenham in 2015. He was appointed the first Asian captain in Tottenham's history and delivered a European trophy to the club for the first time in 41 years since 1984 through the UEFA Europa League victory last season. Simultaneously, it was also his first major trophy in his professional career.
Tottenham recognized Son Heung-min as a 'legend' and acknowledged him as a symbolic figure. However, multiple factors such as his age, now in his mid-30s, only one year remaining on his contract, and astronomical offers from Saudi Arabia, mean that both the club and Son Heung-min do not dismiss the possibility of a transfer. Football Insider stated in June that 'Tottenham is prepared to accept offers for Son Heung-min.'
However, Football Insider revised its stance. They emphasized that 'just because there are rumors of a transfer doesn’t justify it. The current Tottenham is a team that absolutely needs Son Heung-min,' highlighting that his presence is not just about players on the field.
Last season in the Premier League, Son Heung-min failed to achieve double-digit league goals but still recorded double-digit goals across all competitions. While he didn’t fully integrate into the Ange Postecoglou system, he contributed widely in terms of creating space, defensive involvement, and game coordination. Notably, he is the only individual who has both a role in maintaining the dressing room atmosphere as a captain, strong ties with fans, and represents the club's symbolism.
In this situation, multiple Saudi Arabian clubs are reported to have offered Son Heung-min a three-year contract worth €30 million (approximately 48.2 billion won), totaling about 1.446 trillion won. This is a top-tier offer in the Premier League that Son Heung-min would find appealing.
LAFC also wanted Son Heung-min, but that offer was rejected. Tottenham Hotspur News cited betting company Sky Bet to indicate that 'the possibility of Son Heung-min transferring to Saudi Arabia is 69.2%,' suggesting his transfer likelihood is greater than moving to Major League Soccer (MLS).
Interest in Son Heung-min remains high in the United States as well. Aleasdair Gold of Football London reported that 'Son Heung-min has considered moving to the U.S.' and rumors have circulated that LAFC is preparing a high salary.
However, the current situation at Tottenham is not favorable for sending Son Heung-min away. Having secured a UEFA Champions League ticket by winning the UEFA Europa League last season, Tottenham's efforts to bolster the attacking line during the summer transfer window have been sluggish. To date, the only completed transfer is the full acquisition of Mathys Tel.
Thus, Son Heung-min's exit could signify a complete collapse of the attacking force. Moreover, Tottenham has parted ways with coach Ange Postecoglou and transitioned to a system under coach Thomas Frank. At this point, the presence of Son Heung-min, both a club symbol and leader, is crucial for stabilizing the team.
Ultimately, Son Heung-min's choice will impact not only his personal career but also the team’s tactics, organization, and marketing. A transfer is not just a matter of a player leaving; it can destabilize the balance of the entire team.
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