Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur) is once again at a crossroads regarding his future. Having fulfilled his dream of winning the UEFA Europa League, he now faces the choice of a 'final challenge.' Will he remain in the Premier League or accept a luxurious offer from Saudi Arabia? Ultimately, the most important factor will be his conversation with manager Thomas Frank.
Jack Pitbrook of The Athletic reported on the 9th (Korean time) regarding Tottenham's summer transfer market outlook, saying, 'The most intriguing transfer candidates are captain Son Heung-min and Cristian Romero.'
Son Heung-min led Tottenham as captain in the UEFA Europa League final this past May, lifting the trophy for the first time in 41 years in the club's history. This was the first major victory of Son's personal career. However, following that glorious moment, Tottenham has not actively sought to retain him.
Tottenham is currently prepared to negotiate if transfer offers arrive, leaving the decision regarding Son Heung-min's future to the player himself.
Football Insider reported that 'Tottenham is in a position to accept Son Heung-min's transfer if it comes with appropriate value.'
Saudi Arabian clubs are once again moving toward Son Heung-min. Team Talk reported, 'There are Saudi clubs that have offered Son Heung-min a total of €90 million (145 billion won) over three years.' This is a top-tier proposal from the Premier League. Son Heung-min is also no longer denying the possibility of a transfer. His reaction of 'We'll see' is different from before.
In addition to Saudi Arabia, there have been rumors of transfers to the U.S. LAFC and Türkiye's Fenerbahçe; however, most lacked feasibility. The offer from LAFC was not what Son Heung-min wanted, and Fenerbahçe backed off due to wage burdens. Ultimately, only Saudi Arabia continues to show sustained interest.
That said, Son Heung-min is not leaving immediately. The return of Tottenham to the UEFA Champions League is a variable. Although Tottenham found themselves in 17th place in the Premier League, they secured a spot in next season's UEFA Champions League through their victory in the UEFA Europa League. This is an opportunity for Son Heung-min's second challenge in the UEFA Champions League. The memory of crying after the final against Liverpool in 2019 still lingers.
Another variable is the conversation with newly appointed manager Frank. Tottenham sacked manager Ange Postecoglou and appointed Thomas Frank, who led Brentford. Frank and Son Heung-min have not previously interacted, and this will be their first time working together.
Son Heung-min is currently enjoying a short break in Korea and is set to return to London soon to join the team for training. During this process, a first meeting with manager Frank is expected, and it is highly likely that Son Heung-min's final decision will come out of this conversation.
Son Heung-min has played 10 seasons at Tottenham, recording 454 matches, 173 goals, and 101 assists. He has been a person who has written the history of the team. However, now, Son Heung-min stands before a new chapter. Will he remain or transfer? His decision could significantly impact not only his personal career but also the symbolism of Tottenham and its future roster composition.
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