Without Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham), Tottenham has already started training.
Football London reported on the 13th, "Son Heung-min returned to the team on the 12th after finishing his summer vacation. He sought the team's understanding due to family commitments and joined late. There are rumors that Son Heung-min will leave Tottenham. It is still uncertain whether he will leave the team he has been with for 10 years."
Son Heung-min returned to London after a long break in the country. With the Europa League victory, the offseason was shorter than ever. After the victory, Ange Postecoglou was sacked for the responsibility of finishing 17th in the Premier League.
Tottenham has already started group training since the 11th. The team, missing captain Son Heung-min, has welcomed returning loan players like Yang Min-hyuk. More players are battling for survival than ever. They are in fierce competition to catch the eye of new manager Thomas Frank. Frank has announced a generational change at Tottenham. It is a major concern how he will treat captain and team legend Son Heung-min in their first meeting.
Evening Standard noted, "There is one year left on the contract between Tottenham and Son Heung-min. Now it's time for both the club and Son Heung-min to make choices. Clubs from Saudi Arabia and the U.S. Major League Soccer are approaching Son Heung-min. LAFC is one of them. This is a time when Son Heung-min might consider a new challenge. A legend's 'exit' must also be beautiful," suggesting the weight of a transfer.
Son Heung-min must clearly express whether he will accept a role on the bench next season or if he desires a transfer. Coach Frank wants a generational change. If Son Heung-min insists on his starting position, there is a high possibility that he will be transferred.
Tottenham has already begun the generational change. By acquiring West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus, they are preparing for a future without Son Heung-min. Kudus will compete with Dejan Kulusevski for the right winger spot. If Son Heung-min stays, he will have to share playing time with Mathys Tel for the left winger position.
Son Heung-min has definitely passed his peak as a player. He scored 7 goals in the Premier League last season, the lowest figure since 2016, breaking a streak of nine consecutive seasons with double-digit goals. However, he remains a significant influence as a vocal leader among the team.
Tottenham hopes that Son Heung-min will exert his leadership even if his playing time decreases. His role must be entirely entrusted to the coach. It will also be difficult for his salary to increase. If Son Heung-min desires a lot of playing time and salary as a player, he must abandon his dignity and seek a transfer.
Evening Standard analyzed on the 12th, "The addition of Mohammed Kudus is the first step towards a Tottenham without Son Heung-min. The new signing Kudus is a new option on the right side. On the left is the promising French player Mathys Tel. Between these two, Son Heung-min's position is gradually narrowing."
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