The Tottenham Hotspur's 2025/26 pre-season training ground is buzzing with activity. Now only the team's emblem and captain Son Heung-min (33) remain.
On the 10th (Korea time), British 'Football London' noted, "Most players who were guaranteed a relatively long vacation after the national team call-up have returned to the Tottenham Hotspur Way training ground. However, Son Heung-min has not yet joined," highlighting the absence of captain Son Heung-min.
Currently, at the training ground, key players including Cristian Romero, Brennan Johnson, Micky van de Ven, Rodrigo Bentancur, Destiny Udogie, Richarlison, Pape Sarr, Kevin Danso, Yves Bissouma, Ben Davies, and Manor Solomon have gathered. Notably, Ben Davies is now entering his 11th season at Tottenham, further solidifying his status as a 'one-club man.'
They have begun serious conditioning with blood tests and physical assessments in collaboration with the sports science team. The club's official video also captured scenes of the players training alongside newly joined fitness coach Tom Parriman. Coach Parriman is a figure who worked with new manager Thomas Frank at Brentford and plays a key role in instilling Frank's philosophy at Tottenham.
'Football London' analyzed, "The presence of Coach Parriman is an attempt by Manager Frank to transplant the system from his Brentford days directly to Tottenham." Manager Frank has begun assessing the squad's capabilities during this pre-season while also working on identifying players for loan or release. Newly signed Japanese defender Kota Takai will be included in the squad for evaluation.
Tottenham officially announced the signing of Ghana national team forward Mohammed Kudus through their official channel on the 11th. The club stated, "A long-term contract was signed contingent upon the issuance of a work permit," adding, "Kudus will wear the number 20 shirt." Kudus's joining is expected to inject new vitality into the attack.
'Football London' explained that Son Heung-min, who has not yet appeared at the training ground, is delayed in returning due to a pre-scheduled commitment with family, and the club is aware of this. He is expected to join the team soon, and local media and fans are focused on the timing of his return and what follows.
Son Heung-min is now a legend entering his 10th year with Tottenham. With 111 goals in the Premier League, he has established himself as a key player with leadership and skill that transcends being just an emblem of the team. However, the transfer rumors this summer are more pronounced than ever, and the decision regarding his future is expected to be made during his first meeting with Manager Thomas Frank after his return.
Tottenham is placing great expectations on the leadership of Son Heung-min, who is entering his second season wearing the captain's armband. Especially as the team is restructuring under Manager Frank and aiming to challenge for the UEFA Champions League (UCL) stage once again, Son Heung-min's experience and presence are more important than ever.
Overseas news outlets anticipate that "Son Heung-min will discuss his future with Manager Frank upon his return," predicting that his choice will significantly impact not only Tottenham’s future but also the entire transfer market in the Premier League. As Son Heung-min is set to step onto the first UCL stage where he can wear the captain's armband, all eyes are on whether he can once again become the centerpiece of the team as the 'Frank squad' embarks on a new journey.
With key players returning, Tottenham has fully kicked off its season preparations. However, with the 'legend' Son Heung-min yet to return, the true pre-season for Tottenham will only be completed after his arrival.
Attention is focused on what changes Tottenham under Manager Frank will undergo with the return of Son Heung-min, and whether Son Heung-min will once again become the pivot of the team to write a new chapter in history.
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