Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) is still surrounded by chaos this summer. On one hand, there is an optimistic view that he is a 'respected captain,' while on the other hand, a cold analysis of 'a cleanup process' coexists.
According to local reports in the UK, Tottenham Hotspur is currently having the busiest summer in the transfer market. Under the new head coach Thomas Frank, they have brought in Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus, and with attempts to trigger Morgan Gibbs-White's buyout clause, they are accelerating the restructuring of their attacking line. Additionally, they have secured Japanese prospect Kota Takai while also reinforcing their defense.
In the midst of a rapid restructuring of their squad, Son Heung-min's position is delicately wavering. Coach Frank respects Son's leadership and is reported to want his role as captain to continue. According to a report by 'TBR Football' on the 17th (Korean time), Coach Frank requested Chairman Daniel Levy to keep Son Heung-min, and Chairman Levy has shown a stance to prioritize the player's intentions.
In fact, Son Heung-min joined the team training late after family schedules but returned with a bright expression and began preparing for the new season. As captain, he led the team to victory in the Europa League last season, scoring 10 goals and providing 11 assists, proving he is still active.
Not everything is optimistic. Fan community-based media 'Tottenham Hotspur News' analyzed on the 17th, saying, "Son Heung-min has entered the stage of the transfer process."
In particular, adding Mohammed Kudus, Mathys Tel, and Morgan Gibbs-White makes the competition for Son Heung-min's starting position even more intense. Currently, there are 8 wing attacking resources in the squad, making it difficult for 33-year-old Son Heung-min to secure a guaranteed starting spot.
In relation to this, Dan Kilpatrick, a journalist who appeared on 'The Athletic's' podcast 'View from the Lane,' stated, "At this point, the likelihood of Son Heung-min's transfer is greater than that of Cristian Romero or other senior resources." He also predicted that Tottenham is restructuring with the premise of Son Heung-min's departure.
The fan-based media 'EPL Index' also highlighted on the 16th regarding Kudus's signing, calling it "the peak of the declarative steps that fans wanted," emphasizing that Tottenham is preparing for a 'real challenge' rather than simply maintaining a position in the upper ranks. There is a possibility that Son Heung-min may be included in a creative lineup featuring James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Kudus, and Gibbs-White, but conversely, there is also a risk that he may be unsatisfied with a limited role within a new system centered around them.
There are also reports that Chairman Levy is demanding a transfer fee of £55 million (about 102.4 billion won) for Son Heung-min. Although this is analyzed as a pricing considering commercial influence, it could pose some barriers to realistic negotiations. Negotiations with LA FC, which had been connected with Son Heung-min, are currently at a standstill.
Opinions are divided among Tottenham fans as well. The sentiment that 'legends should stay' clashes with the reality that 'it is time to prepare for a new era.' As the structure centering on new signings including Kudus becomes visible, Son Heung-min's future has become a sensitive issue that touches on Tottenham's philosophy and identity beyond just squad strength.
Since joining in 2015, Son Heung-min has left an indelible mark on the club with 454 games, 173 goals, and 101 assists. Having set various records, including being the Premier League's top scorer, he has been an iconic figure for Tottenham. The upcoming 2025-2026 season will be his final year of contract, and he faces another turning point after winning the Europa League.
Coach Frank has a clear vision for utilizing attacking resources and restructuring the squad, and it is known that he has specific plans for positional reinforcement, including renewing Romero's contract and strengthening left-back positions. Within this direction, Son Heung-min could be at the center or be subject to organization.
If he stays, it will be a brilliant farewell season; if he leaves, a beautiful goodbye. Nothing has been decided yet, but the final chapter of Son Heung-min and Tottenham is gradually coming into focus.
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