Son Heung-min (33) has returned to Tottenham's training ground. He is set to discuss his transfer status with manager Thomas Frank (51) soon.
The British media outlet London Evening Standard reported on the 12th (Korea time) that "Frank is finalizing his summer transfer market plans, and there is a possibility that Son Heung-min could leave the team after competing in the UEFA Europa League for the 2024-2025 season."
It added, "Tottenham has signed Mohammed Kudus following Mathys Tel. If Son Heung-min wishes to transfer, the club will accept it."
With less than a year left on his contract with the club, Son Heung-min's future remains uncertain.
Several leagues, including those in Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Turkey, are showing interest in Son Heung-min.
Tottenham has begun restructuring its squad under manager Frank. Son Heung-min is also among those to be restructured. Tottenham has decided to leave the final decision to Son Heung-min. If he chooses to stay, he may face competition for a starting position.
Frank acknowledges Son Heung-min's extensive experience. However, he plans to prioritize younger players tactically. Last month, the team fully acquired Tel, and recently brought in Kudus as well. Both players share the same primary position as Son Heung-min. In particular, Kudus is regarded as an attacking asset with dribbling and left-foot shooting capabilities.
Currently, Tottenham's secondary resources are at capacity. Even if Son Heung-min stays, his chances of playing time are expected to be limited. This can be interpreted as a natural generational change.
London Evening Standard explained, "Son Heung-min remains an iconic figure at Tottenham. As captain, he has a significant influence both on and off the field. However, if his playing time decreases, it could become a point of concern for the team ahead of the Champions League stage."
Son Heung-min appeared at Hotspur Way on the 12th, beginning preparations for the new season. A meeting with manager Frank is also scheduled. This conversation is expected to bring significant changes to Son Heung-min's career.
Football London analyzed, "Frank will discuss the roles and future plans within the team in his first meeting with Son Heung-min," noting that Son Heung-min's choice will have a decisive impact on the team's future plans.
Tottenham has already started preseason training on the 6th. The first-team squad, including Guglielmo Vicario, Dominic Solanke, and Yang Min-hyuk, will kick off their full preseason schedule with a friendly match against Reading, a team in the English Championship, on the 19th.
If Son Heung-min decides to transfer, there is speculation that he could bid farewell after the 3rd of next month. Tottenham is conducting an Asian tour this summer, including stops in Hong Kong and Korea. Son Heung-min is being utilized as a central figure in the tour. If the transfer occurs and disrupts marketing plans, Tottenham may have to bear penalties.
[Photo] Tottenham social media account ⓒGettyimages (reprint and redistribution prohibited)
[OSEN]