The club's gaze is now preparing for a lonely farewell to Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham), who returned with a smile. Voices are growing louder that the club's attitude towards the 'club legend' who has devoted himself to Tottenham is exceedingly cold.
British Football Insider reported on the 15th (Korean time) through the words of former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown that 'Tottenham has already decided to part ways with Son Heung-min and sees this summer as the right time.'
Son Heung-min has been somewhat late to join the preseason due to prior family commitments, but he is now sweating alongside his teammates. This return signifies not just participation in training but also that the first official meeting with new manager Thomas Frank is imminent.
Manager Frank has already begun restructuring the attacking line with the signing of Mohammed Kudus. He is accelerating team rebuilding by including many young players in the first team. This preseason tour is a stage that will determine the future of key players alongside the team's organization. Son Heung-min stands at the center of this.
Rumors of Son Heung-min's transfer remain hot. Fans express conflicting opinions, with some saying, 'It is regrettable to let go of a legend who has devoted nearly 10 years,' while others contend, 'It is time to realistically prepare for a farewell.'
Son Heung-min also led the team to victory in the UEFA Europa League last season, recording many attacking points. However, his position is shaking amid declining performance and generational change.
There are even predictions that he could fall to the bench under manager Frank, who replaced Ange Postecoglou.
Even as the club signals Son Heung-min's final stage, new signing news continues to pour in from the market. They are actively connecting with a number of players, including Mohammed Kudus (West Ham), Morgan Gibbs-White, and Eberechi Eze, solely envisioning filling Son Heung-min's vacancy.
Son Heung-min has scored 173 goals and provided 101 assists for Tottenham. This is an overwhelming record that will remain in Premier League history. Since joining in 2015, his tally over 454 matches is worthy of the title 'club legend.' He wrote history with 17 years of club trophies and the first Champions League final in European history.
However, Tottenham's recent moves are at odds with Son Heung-min's accumulated value. The economic impact he has generated—brand, uniform sales, and influence in the Korean market—far exceeds the transfer fee of approximately £22 million, making the club's farewell drama even more bitter.
As specific offers from overseas leagues such as Saudi Arabia and the United States arrive one after another, Tottenham is only looking for a 'reasonable transfer fee.' Furthermore, local fans are caught between the sentiment of 'legends must stay' and the cold reality that 'generational change is necessary.' However, a clear fact remains that Son Heung-min was the last legend to stay in the locker room after Harry Kane left.
Now, there is little time left to make a decision. Tottenham must sincerely express gratitude to Son Heung-min and respect his choice. The real concern for fans and the media is whether the farewell can be warm and not ungrateful until the end. Son Heung-min's future will soon be determined.
Whether Son Heung-min stays at Tottenham or leaves, the farewell should be in a manner worthy of his dedication over the years. What Tottenham needs now is the final respect fitting the time and passion he has poured in.
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