Speculation over the future of Son Heung-min at Tottenham Hotspur is set to intensify later this summer, with his next move expected to become clearer only after the club’s preseason Asia tour concludes.
The BBC reported on June 18 that Son’s situation is drawing interest from multiple clubs, particularly from Saudi Arabia, and that Tottenham’s Korea tour will serve as a key moment, with numerous factors coming into play.
Tottenham are scheduled to play Arsenal in a friendly match in Hong Kong on July 31, before flying directly to South Korea where they will face Newcastle United at Seoul World Cup Stadium as part of the Coupang Play Series on August 3.
Sources say Son’s participation as a Tottenham player was crucial to the tour’s commercial success, and club officials are working to ensure his presence during promotional events and matches, planning the timing of any potential transfer accordingly.
The BBC emphasized that the tour holds significant commercial value for Premier League clubs, particularly thanks to Son’s brand power in Asia, with the Korean star already committed to various official events throughout the trip.
While no official transfer offer has reached Tottenham for Son yet, the key variable is understood to be the vision of new manager Thomas Frank, who will be shaping the club’s plans for the coming season.
Tottenham recently made the move to sign Mathys Tel, formerly on loan from Bayern Munich, on a permanent deal. Additionally, they are reportedly pursuing Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, who played under Frank in the past.
Both Tel and Mbeumo play in wide attacking positions, similar to Son, raising questions over how Frank’s new tactical plans may affect the Korean star’s standing within the team.
Nevertheless, Son’s world-class performance and leadership remain decisive factors. There is still a strong possibility that he will retain a key role under the new regime.
Should the new manager delay his decision, a final call on Son’s future could be pushed back as late as the September 1 transfer deadline.
Currently, Son is on the radar not only of Saudi Pro League clubs but also Turkish side Fenerbahçe. Notably, Fenerbahçe’s new coach José Mourinho has a previous working relationship with Son from their days together at Tottenham.
Son has made 454 appearances and scored 173 goals for Tottenham, establishing himself alongside Harry Kane as a club mainstay over the past decade.
Last season, Son helped lead the club to a UEFA Europa League title, their first major trophy in 17 years.
Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”
Photo = Yonhap News, MHN DB
