Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur) has returned to team training, but his future remains uncertain. He has nearly completed negotiations with another team, and there are claims that an official announcement will be made after the August tour in Korea.
On the 15th (Korea time), Tottenham publicly revealed footage of Son training with his teammates through their official channel. While the scene of him warming up with his trademark smile drew attention, his return does not signify that he will remain. Son joined Tottenham Hotspur Way on the 12th, returning later than other players due to family commitments.
Football London reported, "Son has returned, but rumors of a break from Tottenham after ten years are gaining credibility. The coming days will be a turning point in determining his future."
Son's position has been shaken due to changes at Tottenham. After the end of last season, Ange Postecoglou left, and Thomas Frank took over as head coach. Frank is looking for new attacking resources while excluding Son from the core lineup. He has indeed fully signed Mathys Tel and brought in Mohammed Kudus for £55 million (102.5 billion won), initiating a reshuffle in the wing positions.
Son is expected to meet with Coach Frank soon. The Sun reported, "After returning to preseason training, Son will have a direct conversation with the coach to assess his position and decide on a potential transfer." Transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano noted, "Son's future will be determined after the meeting with the coach. If Postecoglou had stayed, there was a high possibility he would have remained at Tottenham."
However, there are ongoing rumors that a transfer is nearly complete. Pichai has reported, "Son is at the final stage of signing with Fenerbahce, led by Coach José Mourinho. An official announcement will come after the Korea tour."
Pichai also added, "Son's post-tax salary is expected to reach €12 million (19 billion won), a condition difficult to turn down at his age."
Fenerbahce has been pursuing Son since last winter. Turkey Daily Sabah previously reported that "Mourinho strongly wants Son." Son has expressed his desire to continue playing in Europe, stating, "I still want to play in Europe," leading to the assessment that the Turkish league, which can offer high salaries and guarantees of a starting position, is a realistic option.
Interestingly, Son remains a key figure in Tottenham's marketing. He has been selected as the model for the away kit for the new season, and local media in the UK analyze that "Chairman Levy aims to maximize Son's marketability during the Asia tour before selling him." Tottenham will face Newcastle in the '2025 Coupang Play Series' at Seoul World Cup Stadium on August 3.
The spotlight is on whether Son, who has been the face of Tottenham for 10 years, will continue to play in London for the new season or start a new challenge in Turkey, as all eyes are on his decision to be announced after the tour in Korea at the beginning of August.
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