‘Frank to enrage Son with major Tottenham decision to be made in days’
Son Heung-min has opened the door to a Tottenham exit this summer after almost a decade in North London.
The Spurs captain feels the time might be right to seek new ventures after successfully guiding the club to their first European trophy in 41 years.
The 33-year-old remains a hugely popular figure at Hotspur Way, but his influence in games has diminished over the past few seasons, as seen by his rusty performance against Reading (19 July).
The South Korea international will point to the fact that he was one of the last players to report to pre-season following pre-agreed family arrangements, but his shortcomings were typical of his recent form.
Son is expected to stay for Tottenham’s pre-season tour in Asia, but recent comments from Thomas Frank could accelerate the forward’s departure this summer.
Frank yet to decide on his captain for next season
Frank had the opportunity to back Son in his first press conference at Hotspur Way (18 July), but was hardly convincing with his answers about his skipper.
The Dane was asked multiple times about the icon’s future, and while he praised his attitude in training, he offered no further assurances beyond the fact that he would feature against Reading.
However, one comment stood out as particularly telling, as Frank announced that he has yet to decide on his captain for next season, and that his decision will be made in the coming days.
Son and Cristian Romero were given the armband for each half in the friendly, but was the South Korean guaranteed to stay, his manager surely would not strip him of his role.
Either way, the uncertainty over his decision will have enraged Son, as he will likely believe that his near-decade-long service to the Lilywhites would not warrant a discussion over his captaincy.
Frank has a difficult decision to make in appointing a captain
Should Son not stay as Spurs captain, either because he leaves or because Frank decides otherwise, it will put the spotlight on the 51-year-old.
The former Brentford manager will have a significant decision to make, and it won’t be an easy one.
Romero is the apparent heir due to his quality and leadership, but the Argentine’s future at Tottenham is hardly assured.
James Maddison has also worn the armband on multiple occasions, but his injury record could be a hindrance to the influence he can consistently have on the pitch.
Guglielmo Vicario may be the safest choice, but the politics of the decision could have a lasting effect on the squad, meaning Frank will have to be very careful in his selection.
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