Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham)'s preseason return is delayed. With transfer rumors still circulating, Son is expected to determine his future through a meeting with manager Thomas Frank (52) ahead of the new season.
The British 'Tottenham Hotspur News' reported on the 11th (Korean time) that "Son's return has been postponed to later this week due to prior commitments with family" and that "he is scheduled to discuss his future with manager Frank and the club." According to the report, despite interest from several clubs, Son has decided to stay with Tottenham for another year.
Behind Son's decision to remain is his final goal of participating in the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Champions League. If the possibility of a reduced role or changes in playing time are revealed in his conversations with new manager Frank, there is a possibility that Son's stance may change.
Meanwhile, Tottenham continues its rapid moves in the preseason transfer market. Reports indicate that Chairman Daniel Levy has begun extensive squad restructuring on the 11th to quell critical public opinion. Mohammed Kudus has transferred from West Ham United to Tottenham, marking the fourth signing of the summer following Mathys Tel, Kevin Danso, and Daiki Gota.
Tottenham Hotspur News emphasized that Chairman Levy, who has faced criticism for being passive in the early stages of the transfer market, is now actively pursuing 'big deals' at the request of manager Frank. Notably, Kudus is the first 'premium asset' acquired by Tottenham this summer.
Another major contract is imminent. Tottenham has triggered the buyout clause of Nottingham Forest's star midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White (£60 million, approximately 1.12 billion won) and is reported to have already scheduled a medical test. The club plans to announce his official signing within this week.
Gibbs-White was a key player who led the team to European competition under manager Nuno Espírito Santo last season, and this acquisition is expected to further solidify Tottenham's midfield.
Meanwhile, the acquisition of Viktor Gyökeres, which Arsenal was pursuing, has reached a standstill, and Tottenham Hotspur News reported that "Tottenham is looking for opportunities in this acquisition war by leveraging the presence of Lucas Bergvall, who is close to Gyökeres."
As tensions rise regarding Son Heung-min's future, Tottenham is simultaneously addressing two tasks: strengthening offensive resources and ensuring 'generational change' and tactical flexibility. Conversations with Son are expected to become a significant turning point in gauging the future direction of the team's philosophy.
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