Is it time for the legend to prepare for a farewell? Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) is facing the reality of his last days.
Multiple British media outlets have reported that Son Heung-min, the symbol of Tottenham, is contemplating a beautiful farewell with the club. He was the one who led Tottenham to its first major trophy in 17 years by defeating Manchester United in the Europa League final last season, but ironically, that moment could be the last spark.
The British Evening Standard reported on the 12th (Korea time), "The acquisition of Mohammed Kudus raises questions about Son Heung-min's future. No one would blame him if he decided to leave now."
After securing victory in the final match in May, Son Heung-min smiled broadly and said on the pitch of Bilbao, "Can I say that I'm a legend at Tottenham just for today? Why not? I achieved something that no one has done in 17 years." However, shortly after the match ended, his name has resurfaced with transfer rumors.
The key is the arrival of Kudus. On the 11th, Tottenham officially announced via their channels that they had fully acquired Ghanaian national team forward Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United. The transfer fee is £55 million (approximately 102.3 billion won), and his jersey number is 20. Prior to this, they also succeeded in fully acquiring Mathys Tel, who had been on loan at Bayern Munich. Their joining is seen as a signal for the club's "new restructuring."
The Standard analyzed, "The addition of Kudus and Tel indicates that Son Heung-min is being pushed from a starter to a supporting role. Kudus is expected to play on the right wing, and Tel on the left, forming a rotation with Son Heung-min."
Now, Tottenham's attacking lineup has expanded to eight players, including Brennan Johnson, Wilson Odobert, Richarlison, Manor Solomon, Dejan Kulusevski, and Mikey Moore. It is overloaded. Naturally, someone has to leave, and with Son Heung-min's contract expiring in June 2026, he could be a realistic target for departure.
In fact, Son Heung-min's recent performance has not been up to par. He managed only seven goals in the Premier League last season and started on the bench in the Europa League final. The Standard reported, "His status is not what it used to be. The days when he was a regular starter in every match are over."
Son Heung-min remains an iconic figure in the club. As the captain, he is a leader in the locker room, an emotional consolidation with fans, and a key figure in marketing. He will, of course, accompany the team on their summer tour in Asia and continues to represent the brand of Tottenham.
Additionally, next season Tottenham will return to the UEFA Champions League stage. With a record of 16 goals in the Champions League, Son Heung-min could become an important presence within a squad that is not familiar with European competition.
The Standard hinted at a farewell, stating, "Even if Son Heung-min decided to leave now, no one would blame him. There may not be a more appropriate time for a goodbye."
Son Heung-min is still the face of the team, but he is also a figure standing behind the 'new era.' The emergence of Kudus, the growth of Tel, and intensified competition in the attacking line. All these elements send signals to Son Heung-min that 'the time for a decision is approaching.'
[OSEN]