Son Heung-min (33), captain of Tottenham Hotspur, has returned to preseason training, but transfer rumors have become even hotter.
Tottenham released a video through the club's official social media on the 15th (Korea time) showing Son participating in training. He was wearing a sleeveless training top and appeared cheerful as he worked out. This was the first time training footage was revealed five days after departing for England.
Son left Incheon International Airport for England on the 10th and joined the preseason camp on the 12th. After completing the medical tests and fitness assessments, he began rigorous training.
Son's participation in the Asia tour scheduled for the end of this month is a foregone conclusion. According to local reports, Tottenham has signed commercial contracts with the organizers of the friendly matches in Hong Kong and Korea, which include a condition that Son must participate. This means Son has no choice but to appear in the preseason matches.
Football London's Alasdair Gold noted, "It is expected that a clearer discussion about Son's future will occur during Thomas Frank's first press conference this Friday." However, the internal atmosphere is not considered positive.
Football Insider quoted former Premier League scout Mick Brown, saying, "Tottenham has prepared to let Son go. They are already working on strengthening their attack and are ready for all parties to move on to new paths."
He said, "Son was an iconic figure for Tottenham, but now is the time to part ways. Everyone eventually gets caught up by time," evaluating the likelihood of a transfer as high.
Tottenham has signed Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United, and the acquisition of Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest is in the final stages. Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace) is also a candidate, but competition is fierce. Brown added, "Tottenham is preparing to fill the void left by Son, believing that the new attacking resources can adequately replace him."
Interest in Son is becoming more concrete in Saudi Arabia and the United States than in Europe. Saudi Pro League clubs are said to have offered a transfer fee of about 40 million euros (64.3 billion won) and a massive three-year total of 90 million euros (144.8 billion won) in contracts. This condition is virtually at a 'windfall' level.
MLS's LAFC is also showing interest in Son, and the successful brand value demonstrated after Lionel Messi's transfer to Inter Miami has sparked discussions about Son's potential move to the United States. As MLS starts its season early in the year, there is speculation that Son may head to the U.S. after completing half a season with Tottenham during the upcoming winter.
Renowned Turkish club Fenerbahçe is also mentioned as a candidate for Son's destination, but the analysis suggests that realistically, Saudi Arabia and MLS are the most likely next options. However, the situation could change if Tottenham secures a spot in the UEFA Champions League. Son has a strong desire to participate in the UCL, and Tottenham may deem a veteran like Son necessary for their inexperienced squad.
Son is expected to decide his future after completing Tottenham's entire preseason schedule. Following the Asia tour, he will be faced with the choice of whether to stay at Tottenham for his final season or leave the team for a new challenge.
[OSEN]