Tottenham Hotspur is facing its biggest dilemma in the transfer market regarding captain Son Heung-min (33). Despite realistic assessments of a decline in performance and a decrease in market value, love calls continue from Saudi Arabia and Major League Soccer (MLS).
Football Insider reported on the 15th (Korea time) that "according to a former Tottenham scout, Son Heung-min is not included in the plans of coach Thomas Frank. With interest from Saudi Arabia and MLS, Tottenham is prepared to positively review offers."
Tottenham has already acquired Mohammed Kudus and is also focusing on adding new attacking options, such as Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze. In the process, Son Heung-min's future has become even more uncertain.
Football Insider noted that "Tottenham is coldly assessing Son Heung-min's abilities as he has come down from his peak, and is looking for a replacement even if it incurs a loss."
According to the German transfer market specialist site Transfermarkt, Son Heung-min's estimated market value is currently 20 million euros (31.3 billion won), which has shown a continuous decline since 2021. While this trend is natural considering age and performance fluctuations, it is regrettable for Tottenham to let go of Asia's top star at a bargain price.
Son Heung-min still carries significant marketing value. Considering sponsorships, broadcasting rights, and influence in the Asian market, he is an asset beyond mere performance. This is also the reason Tottenham is conducting the summer tour in Korea centered around Son Heung-min.
However, the contract expiration date is approaching. Son Heung-min's contract with Tottenham is set to expire in June 2026, and if they pass this summer, they cannot receive a proper transfer fee.
The Saudi Arabian league is targeting this gap. Saudi clubs have reportedly offered a transfer fee of 40 million euros (64.4 billion won) and an annual salary of 30 million euros (48.3 billion won) to Son Heung-min. The contract period is three years, totaling 90 million euros (145 billion won). Given the examples of clubs backed by Saudi sovereign wealth funds pursuing superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, Son Heung-min is also being viewed as "the optimal card."
However, dissenting opinions are also clear. Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke argued that "although Son Heung-min's performance last season was not perfect, his experience is an essential asset in the return season to the UEFA Champions League." Former Tottenham goalkeeper and England national team legend Paul Robinson also said, "It would be foolish for Tottenham to sell Son Heung-min seeking immediate profits; he symbolizes the values of the club, fans, and team as captain."
Fan sentiment mirrors this. On the 8th, in celebration of Son Heung-min's birthday, Tottenham's official SNS was flooded with comments urging him to "not leave."
Numbers also support this. The football statistics specialist site Opta analyzed that Tottenham's win rate is 41.7% in matches where Son Heung-min starts, but drops to just 7.1% in matches he misses. Additionally, when Son Heung-min plays, the team averages 2.1 goals, while it falls to 1 goal in his absence. This highlights the symbolism beyond mere statistics.
Currently, Son Heung-min has returned to Tottenham after finishing his vacation. He has undergone medical tests and a 1 km fitness test, and there are possibilities that coach Frank will reveal his position regarding Son's status at an official press conference on the 18th.
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