Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) returned with a smile, but Tottenham Hotspur's gaze towards him is increasingly leaning towards goodbye.
It is becoming apparent that Tottenham Hotspur is seriously reviewing Son Heung-min's transfer. The British outlet 'Football Insider' reported on the 15th (Korea time), quoting an exclusive interview with former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown, that "Tottenham is preparing for a separation from Son Heung-min, believing that this summer is the best time for farewell."
Brown noted, "The club has shared internal concerns about Son Heung-min's declining fitness and speed since February, and has since begun to work on securing alternatives. Coach Thomas Frank is also planning for next season without Son Heung-min."
In fact, Tottenham has recently begun restructuring its attacking line by signing Mohammed Kudus from West Ham, and is also linked to Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze. Brown added, "While they are not exactly the same type as Son Heung-min, Coach Frank believes they can somewhat fill the multidimensional attacking options that Son used to provide for the team."
Potential destinations for Son Heung-min include the Saudi Arabian Pro League and Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States. Brown emphasized, "Interest in Son Heung-min is not just speculation. Saudi Arabia and the U.S. are actually moving forward," stating that "If Tottenham receives a suitable offer, the club is prepared to accept it."
Opinions among local fans in the U.K. are divided. There is a sentiment that 'legends should stay' clashing with the reality that 'it is time to move on to the next stage.' Son Heung-min recorded 23 attacking points last season, but some observers noted that his influence has diminished compared to when he maintained explosive power throughout matches.
Nonetheless, Son Heung-min returned to the team without hesitation. Tottenham released training photos of Son on its official social media on the 14th, leaving a message saying, "Welcome back, Sonny!" His return was slightly delayed due to family commitments, but he appeared at the training ground, preparing for the upcoming season.
The British outlet 'Tottenham Hotspur News' evaluated Son Heung-min's appearance as "a symbolic scene that his fate could soon materialize amid transfer rumors." Ultimately, his future depends on discussions with Coach Frank, who is experimenting with various resources, including Kudus, and aims to distinguish unnecessary players from core ones through this preseason tour. Son Heung-min is also at the center of that conversation.
What will Tottenham and Son Heung-min be remembered for?
Since joining in 2015, Son Heung-min has scored 173 goals and provided 101 assists in 454 matches while wearing the Tottenham uniform. He is already considered a club legend based solely on his total attacking points. However, his existence holds significance beyond mere numbers.
He has fought until the end for the club's trophy after 17 years, and even after many stars left the team, he continued to wear the uniform. The revenue he has brought to the club, including jersey sales, brand image, and expansion into the Korean market, easily exceeds a transfer fee of 22 million pounds.
Now, what Tottenham must contemplate is how to approach the farewell with him seriously. Whether it's staying or transferring, the decision must be made in a way that Son Heung-min himself can accept, which is a common desire among local media and fans.
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