Jamie O’Hara shares ‘brutal’ Son Heung-min verdict amid Tottenham exit latest
Jamie O’Hara has spoken out as speculation about Son Heung-min leaving Tottenham begins to intensify.
Son finally won a trophy with Tottenham last season after almost a decade in North London. However, it seems the 32-year-old’s journey with the Lilywhites might have now come to an end.
It is thought that Tottenham have already begun the search to replace the South Korean for the new season, and ex-Spurs midfielder and talkSPORT host O’Hara has now offered a brutal verdict on Son.
O’Hara believes Son is no longer up for the Premier League
Son contributed to 23 goals in 46 appearances for Tottenham last season, but that doesn’t tell the whole story.
Indeed, the Spurs skipper has looked like a shell of his former self on the pitch. He lacks the explosiveness seen years ago and cowers away from his man when on the flank.
This has fuelled speculation of a departure this summer with Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbache and Saudi Arabian sides among those linked.
| Player | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Son Heung-min | 454 | 173 | 101 |
Son’s best years appear to be behind him, and O’Hara thinks now is the time to sell.
The 38-year-old said, in association with Grosvenor Casino (via FourFourTwo, 21 June), “If a big opportunity came, I’d let him go. I think he’s come to his end in terms of being the top footballer he was, and maybe he needs to go to a bit of a slower league.
“The Premier League is too quick for him, and he’s lost his legs a bit. He’s been an unbelievable servant to the club, but there are times when the game moves on.
“He’s a legend, I’d love him to stay at Tottenham and be the player that he was, but I just don’t know if I’m going to see that again, I don’t think he’s got that in him any more.”
Tottenham should allow Son to leave on his terms
The permanent signing of Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich could indicate that Son is close to a departure this summer.
Tottenham have curated a strategy that focuses on developing young players and do not seem to be stopping anytime soon.
However, if the South Korean is to leave Hotspur Way, he should do so on his terms. Spurs signed Son from Bayern Leverkusen in 2015, and he has since scored 173 goals for the club.
Where other players have left Tottenham in search of silverware, the South Korean stayed and lifted their first in 17 years. This loyalty should not go unnoticed by Levy.
This means permitting Son to choose his next club. The Spurs skipper could even be given a rotational role next season if a deal is not reached.
Indeed, with UEFA Champions League football to look forward to, Frank could use the extra squad depth. Therefore, if Son is to leave, it should be for a club that is right for him.
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