Tottenham Hotspur has embarked on a comprehensive reorganization as the Thomas Frank managerial regime begins, making Son Heung-min's future the hottest topic this summer.
To The Rain and Back reported on the 15th (Korean time) that "Chairman Levy must fully support the plans of the new head coach, Frank. Son Heung-min's future decision can only be at the center of that change."
Son Heung-min has solidified his status as a club symbol, recording 173 goals and 101 assists in 454 matches for Tottenham. He lifted the UEFA Europa League trophy last season, reaching the pinnacle of his first major tournament in 15 years of professional debut, and secured a spot in the UEFA Champions League for next season.
However, there is now only one year left on his contract, and this summer is likely to be the last opportunity for Tottenham to receive a transfer fee.
As the summer transfer market opened, interest in Son Heung-min heated up. There were massive offers from Saudi Arabian clubs, a call from Fenerbahçe led by manager Taxes Mourinho, and rumors of contact from Major League Soccer (MLS) club LAFC. However, many of these rumors have been pointed out as having low credibility.
With the arrival of manager Frank, Son Heung-min's position is expected to change inevitably. Alasdair Gold of Football London noted, "Manager Frank will want to hear future plans directly from key players like Son Heung-min and Cristian Romero. However, conversations will only take place after fully understanding the players' conditions."
He added, "Son Heung-min is a legend who has dedicated 10 years to Tottenham. If he chooses to stay, he should be respected, and conversely, if he wishes to transfer, the club must accept that decision."
The Asian tour that Tottenham is preparing could also delay the timing of his decision. Gold stated, "It is unclear whether Son Heung-min's participation in the tour in Korea and Hong Kong is a contractual obligation, but if a transfer occurs first, it could financially impact the club," and predicted, "It is likely that his future will be decided only after the tour."
Local sentiment respects his decision. To The Rain and Back evaluated, "Son Heung-min is 33 years old and is not showing the same explosive speed as before, and he is experiencing a decline in performance. This summer could be an appropriate time for both the club and the player to part ways."
He conveyed, "Son Heung-min is an iconic presence for Tottenham. There is no reason to criticize him if he chooses to stay, and he has the right to decide his own future."
Tottenham will play their first preseason friendly against Reading on the 19th. There is speculation that hints about Son Heung-min's future could arise at the press conference scheduled before the match with manager Frank.
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