A crucial 'evaluation match' is approaching for Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham), whose future remains uncertain. As reports surface that he needs to make a good impression on the new head coach Thomas Frank (52), local insights indicate he is expected to start against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the UEFA Super Cup.
Alasdair Gold, a Tottenham correspondent for the UK 'Football London,' reported on the situation of Son Heung-min during a Q&A session with fans on the 13th (Korean time). Gold noted, "Son Heung-min returned to team training only on Friday after taking a pre-agreed vacation due to family commitments. He is currently undergoing condition checks and fitness tests," adding, "Coach Frank is likely to assess Son’s current performance personally before making decisions about his future or playing time."
Son Heung-min's future remains fluid. He has only one year left on his contract, and discussions on a renewal are stagnant. The 'Times' reported, "Tottenham evaluated Son Heung-min's commercial value highly and offered an extension contract, but Son's side rejected it, leading the club to reluctantly activate only a one-year extension option." As a result, transfer rumors have resurfaced.
Tottenham plans to follow Son Heung-min's wishes for now. 'Sky Sports' reported, "If Son wants to leave the team, and adequate offers come in, the club may allow a transfer."
However, the club is demanding at least €30 million (approximately 48.3 billion won) as a transfer fee. It has been reported that Saudi Arabia's Al Ahli, Al Nassr, and Al Qadisiyah have made substantial offers totaling €90 million (approximately 144.9 billion won) to Son Heung-min, while attempts by LA FC to sign him were thwarted by his refusal.
Amidst this, there is also a possibility that Son Heung-min will face another starting point at Tottenham. 'Football London' reported on the 14th that "Coach Frank is expected to field Son Heung-min as a left winger in the UEFA Super Cup against PSG." While the possibility of Son's transfer still exists, the report states that "assuming the transfer market is already closed, Son will start."
The formation that Coach Frank is preparing is 4-2-3-1. Son Heung-min will be positioned in the second line along with Gibbs-White and Brennan Johnson, while Dominic Solanke will lead the front. James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are ruled out due to injuries, and 'new recruit' Mohammed Kudus is expected to wait on the bench. The midfield will pair Rodrigo Bentancur and Lucas Bergvall, while the back four will consist of Destiny Udogie, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, and Pedro Porro, with Guglielmo Vicario guarding the goal.
Ultimately, Son Heung-min's fate may depend on his performance against PSG. He needs to prove his value again in front of the team's new leader. Gold also mentioned, "Son Heung-min has been a player with significant contributions, but it is a matter that Coach Frank will assess directly. The two are expected to engage in an honest discussion."
Meanwhile, Tottenham is set to embark on an Asia tour that will take them through Hong Kong and Korea until early August. Son Heung-min is highly likely to participate in this schedule per contractual obligations. Consequently, there are indications that a decision on his transfer may be postponed until after the tour concludes.
Son Heung-min is an iconic player who has recorded 454 matches, 173 goals, and 101 assists for Tottenham, but he now must start over in front of the coach.
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