The Tottenham Hotspur's 2025-2026 season preseason training has officially begun, but captain Son Heung-min (33) has not yet been seen. In the UK, there is a sentiment that his absence is not simply an 'extended vacation' but a symbolic scene.
British outlet 'Football London' reported on the 10th (Korea time), "Son Heung-min has not yet returned due to prior family commitments. He is expected to show up at the training ground sometime this weekend and is likely to have his first meeting with coach Thomas Frank immediately after his return."
While specific family schedules have not been disclosed, this meeting is anticipated to be a conversation that encompasses not just simple greetings but also discussions about future season plans and potential transfer possibilities.
Coach Frank has begun the establishment of the Tottenham system with the existing coaching staff, including fitness coach Tom Pearman, who previously worked with him at Brentford. Key players such as Cristian Romero, Brennan Johnson, Mickey van de Ven, Rodrigo Bentancur, Destiny Udogie, and Richarlison returned to training on the 9th local time, completing blood tests and fitness assessments before commencing team training.
Son Heung-min was not among them. The media noted, "Coach Frank will also convey his honest positions and expected roles to Son Heung-min," analyzing that this meeting will serve as a decisive variable regarding Son Heung-min's future.
The backdrop includes the recent acquisition of Mohammed Kudus. Tottenham announced on the 11th that they had signed Kudus, a Ghana national team forward who played for West Ham United, for £55 million (approximately 102.5 billion won). Kudus has been assigned shirt number 20 and is a versatile player capable of performing on both flanks and in central positions.
Kudus scored 5 goals and provided 3 assists in 30 Premier League matches last season, but his influence in games ranked him among the top within the team with successful dribbles (92), fouls drawn (64), and ball recoveries (138). Notably, Tottenham's left-wing attack was considered Son Heung-min's 'exclusive space' until last season, but with Kudus's addition, a tactical reshuffle has become inevitable.
British outlet 'Football Insider' analyzed, "Kudus's signing signals a decline in Son Heung-min's status," while 'Sports Mall' also evaluated, "Kudus is optimized for the fast and organic attacking style that Coach Frank seeks, particularly in dribbling, ball carrying, and long passes." Kudus is rated higher than Son Heung-min in terms of work rate and forward pressing, and there is a possibility that Son Heung-min may be classified as a rotational resource within Coach Frank's system.
As the preseason schedule intensifies, tensions surrounding Son Heung-min's future are escalating. Legally, the contract was extended until 2026 when the club triggered a one-year extension option last January, but both the club and Son Heung-min share a flexible stance indicating that 'reconsideration of his position is possible if necessary.'
Currently, clubs showing interest in Son Heung-min are narrowed down to Saudi Arabia and the U.S. Major League Soccer (MLS). Notably, LA FC has reportedly made a concrete offer; however, according to a recent 'Mirror' report, Son Heung-min has put this on 'hold' for the time being. While he still wishes to compete on the European stage, prevailing assessments suggest that changes in his standing within the team pose a significant threat to that desire.
Meanwhile, Tottenham is also ramping up efforts to bolster their attack beyond Kudus. Coach Frank is reportedly connected with Yoane Wissa, who he utilized frequently during his time at Brentford, and is expanding resources for rotation in light of returning to European competitions. The BBC reported, "Son Heung-min could also become one of the rotation candidates," hinting that even within the club, Son Heung-min is not viewed as 'a solid starter.'
Son Heung-min is not just a attacking resource; he symbolizes the brand and identity of Tottenham. He is the captain who brought the club its first European trophy, the most successful Asian player in Premier League history, and a key figure in Asian marketing. However, currently, Tottenham appears to be focusing more on 'efficiency' and 'generational change' than on Son Heung-min's 'symbolism.'
After returning to the preseason training ground, Son Heung-min will directly confirm his position through a meeting with Coach Frank. Depending on the outcome of that meeting, his future trajectory could change completely.
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