Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur) has returned to team training, starting preparations for the new season, but his future remains uncertain. With significant transfer offers already on the table, a formal decision regarding his status is likely to be made after the Korean tour in August.
Tottenham released photos of Son Heung-min's first training session for the 2025-2026 season through their official social media on the 15th (Korean time). Son participated in team training, wearing a sleeveless training outfit and sporting a bright smile.
Son Heung-min departed for the UK through Incheon International Airport on the 10th and appeared at Tottenham Hotspur Way training ground on the 12th. He joined later than other players due to an agreed-upon vacation to spend time with his family, and on the first day of training, he focused on blood tests and physical assessments.
However, Son Heung-min's return does not necessarily mean he will stay. Tottenham correspondent Alasdair Gold noted, "Manager Frank will decide on his future after observing Son's current condition and his value to the team. The two will have an honest conversation, and ultimately, Son's own choice will be the most important."
Tottenham is scheduled to play their first preseason friendly against Reading on the 19th, and there is a high possibility that questions about Son Heung-min's status will arise during the press conference held by Manager Thomas Frank after the match.
Son Heung-min was rewarded for his 10 years of dedication at Tottenham by winning the UEFA Europa League in May. He became a living legend of the club, setting records for Tottenham's first championship in 17 years and the first UEFA club competition title in 41 years. However, his contract has only one year left until June 2026, making this summer essentially the last opportunity to receive a transfer fee.
Currently, the interest in Son Heung-min is intense. Saudi Arabian clubs have reportedly offered him a transfer fee of €40 million (approximately 64.4 billion won) along with a staggering annual salary of €30 million (approximately 48.3 billion won). The contract duration is three years, with total aggregates reaching €90 million (approximately 145 billion won).
Interest from Major League Soccer's (MLS) LAFC continues steadily. There are speculations that Son Heung-min could transfer to MLS early next year after spending half a season at Tottenham. This scenario is possible due to the MLS starting its season at the beginning of the year, unlike the Premier League.
However, even if Son Heung-min leaves Tottenham, he is expected to participate in this preseason tour. The BBC reported, "When Tottenham signed a contract with the organizers of the preseason tour, they included the condition of Son's participation," and noted, "Even if a transfer is decided, it will be after the Coupang Play Series against Newcastle at Seoul World Cup Stadium on August 3."
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