Son Heung-min (33) and Yang Min-hyeok (19, both from Tottenham) have reunited wearing the same uniform.
Tottenham Hotspur released pre-season training photos on the 14th and 15th (Korean time) on the club's official website. Son Heung-min, who returned to England on the 10th, resumed training on the 12th to start serious preparations, and he sweated alongside Yang Min-hyeok, who had already been participating in team training since the 6th.
Tottenham will kick off its pre-season schedule with a friendly against Reading on the 19th. They will then move to Hong Kong after a match against Luton Town to face Arsenal in the 'North London Derby' on July 31, and on August 3, they will play against Newcastle United in Seoul, Korea. Finally, they will play their last pre-season match against Bayern Munich on August 8, followed by a UEFA Super Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on the 14th.
This pre-season marks the first training session under the newly appointed manager Thomas Frank at Tottenham and signifies the official start of internal competition within the squad.
Yang Min-hyeok (19), who joined Tottenham in January 2024 after leaving Gangwon FC, spent the second half of last season on loan at Queens Park Rangers (QPR). He raised his game sense by recording 2 goals and 1 assist in 14 matches in the English Championship, returning to Tottenham after the season. This pre-season represents a crucial opportunity for Yang Min-hyeok to determine his chances of remaining with the first team at Tottenham.
Yang Min-hyeok expressed his affection for the team's star by saying, "I missed Son Heung-min" in an official content on Tottenham's YouTube channel. In fact, the two created a special scene by running side by side during training.
Yang Min-hyeok's position within the team is not solid. He went on loan last season without making any appearances, and if he fails to leave a strong impression this time, the possibility of another loan is being discussed. Although he received positive evaluations from QPR manager Marti Cifuentes for his speed, daring runs, and good attitude, the competition among Tottenham's wingers is fiercer.
To secure a spot among notable players such as Son Heung-min, Mohammed Kudus, Mathys Tel, and Dejan Kulusevski, he must demonstrate clear competitiveness. Manager Frank is considering the generational shift after Son Heung-min by utilizing Kudus, who was signed from West Ham.
Captain Son Heung-min returned to the training ground despite various transfer rumors. He has been linked with multiple teams, including several clubs from Saudi Arabia, Bayer 04 Leverkusen in Germany, Fenerbahçe in Turkey, and LA FC in the United States, sustaining interest in his future.
Alasdair Gold, a reporter from 'Football London', noted, "Manager Frank will want to closely observe Son Heung-min, who has consistently performed in the Premier League. The decision on whether he stays depends on Son Heung-min," adding that the club has not yet reached a conclusion. Gold predicted that Frank will disclose the results of his conversation with Son Heung-min in an upcoming press conference.
Tottenham fans are also divided in their opinions. Some hope for his stay due to Son Heung-min's symbolism and leadership, while others argue that it may be time to prepare for a separation considering the generational change.
Son Heung-min's contract expires at the end of this season. This summer also represents the last opportunity to receive a transfer fee.
The sight of Son Heung-min and Yang Min-hyeok training side by side is symbolic in itself. One has been the franchise star who has held the core of Tottenham for ten years, while the other is a teenage prospect challenging the European stage.
To Yang Min-hyeok, Son Heung-min is both a figure of admiration and a wall to surpass. To Son Heung-min, Yang Min-hyeok symbolizes his next generation and represents another future for Korean football. This pre-season could be a 'turning point' for both players, as Son Heung-min competes for his future while Yang Min-hyeok battles for his survival.
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