Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur) and new head coach Thomas Frank's first meeting is expected to be a major turning point that will determine Tottenham's fate.
Son was delayed in departing due to a family issue that had been agreed upon in advance, but he is set to return to London on the 12th (Korea time) to join the team. Following his return, he is reported to hold a meeting with Coach Frank and make a final decision regarding his future.
Tottenham recently appointed Thomas Frank as the new head coach, initiating a team overhaul. Coach Frank is deeply considering whether to use Son as a key player next season, bench him, or transfer him.
Given Son's presence has a significant impact on Tottenham's strength, the football community's attention is focused on the conclusions that will emerge from the first meeting between the two.
Son's contract runs until 2026, and if he plays one more year with Tottenham, he will become a free agent (FA) in the summer of 2026. In that case, Tottenham will receive no transfer fee.
On the other hand, if they pursue a transfer this summer, the club can secure maximum revenue. If Son stays for another year, Tottenham will have to negotiate a new contract by 2027 to expect any transfer fee. It's a moment for the club that requires a decision.
Interest from overseas clubs in Son is also strong. According to the UK’s TalkSport, three clubs in Saudi Arabia—Al Ahli, Al Nassr, and Al Qadisiyah—have expressed a willingness to pay €40 million (approximately 63.3 billion won) for Son’s transfer.
In the transfer market, the valuation for Son's transfer is considered to be between £50 million and £60 million (approximately 94.5 billion to 112.2 billion won), with 34% agreeing on that figure, while 33% believe it should be below £50 million, meaning that 67% think it should be below £60 million.
If Tottenham sends Son to Saudi Arabia, they could collect the highest transfer fee. However, it's widely believed that given Son’s value on honor, he is unlikely to make a decision solely based on money.
In addition to Saudi Arabia, the prestigious Turkish club Fenerbahçe, led by coach José Mourinho, is also interested in acquiring Son.
Football London reported that Son has leaned toward staying with Tottenham for another year to qualify for the Champions League. However, the final decision regarding his future is expected to be determined based on the outcome of the meeting with Coach Frank.
If he chooses to transfer, Tottenham will receive a hefty transfer fee, but if Son opts to stay, contract negotiation will become unavoidable.
The first meeting between Son and Coach Frank is expected to have significant repercussions not just for Tottenham's future but also for the Premier League transfer market.
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