Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur) has returned to the training ground, but his future remains unclear. There are rumors that transfer negotiations have already been concluded, and the official announcement will be made after the conclusion of the Korea tour in August.
Tottenham released photos of Son's return to training through official channels on the 15th (Korea time). He drew attention as he warmed up with his teammates, flashing a bright smile. Son returned to Tottenham Hotspur Way on the 12th and later explained that he joined later than other players due to family commitments.
However, his return does not necessarily mean he will stay. Football London reported on the 13th, "Son has returned. However, the prospect of leaving Tottenham after 10 years is gaining more credibility. The next few days will determine his future."
In fact, changes at Tottenham have directly impacted Son's standing. After the end of last season, Ange Postecoglou left, and Thomas Frank was appointed as the new manager. Frank has classified Son as a resource outside the main squad and is focused on securing new attacking resources. He signed Mathys Tel permanently and invested £55 million (102.5 billion won) to strengthen the winger position for Mohammed Kudus.
Son is scheduled to meet with Frank soon. The Sun reported, "After joining the preseason training, Son will discuss his position with Frank to decide whether to transfer." European transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano also stated, "Son's future is still undecided. The meeting with the manager will be a key factor in determining his future."
However, claims that a transfer has practically been agreed upon are also significant. Pichajes reported last month, "Son is close to a contract with Fenerbahçe, coached by José Mourinho," adding that "the official announcement will be made after the Korea tour in August."
It was further explained that "Son's after-tax salary will reach €12 million (19 billion won)," and that "this is an offer that would be hard to refuse for a player in this age group."
Fenerbahçe has been trying to recruit Son since last winter. Türkiye Daily Sabah reported at the time that "Mourinho strongly requested Son's recruitment." Since Son has clearly stated his intention to stay in Europe rather than join the Saudi Arabian league, the analysis that the Turkish league offers a realistic option with a high salary and starting spot guarantee is gaining traction.
Interestingly, Son remains a key figure in Tottenham's marketing. He is featured as the model for the new season's away uniform, and local UK media interpreted this as "Chairman Levy's strategy to leverage Son's marketability until the Asian tour before pushing for his sale." Tottenham is scheduled to play against Newcastle in the '2025 Coupang Play Series' on August 3 at Seoul World Cup Stadium.
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