‘Son Heung-min more likely than ever to quit Tottenham as deal done’
Son Heung-min’s future is looking increasingly likely to be away from Tottenham.
Son is one month short of being at Spurs for a decade, during which time he became one of the Premier League‘s most lethal finishers.
His performances and loyalty to Tottenham earned him the captaincy two summers ago, which he repaid by lifting the Lilywhites’ first major piece of silverware since 2008.
However, now 33 years old, his powers are slowly fading, and the South Korean icon has been linked with a move away from the club, despite having his contract extended until 2026.
Thomas Frank has not given any direct clues as to what lies ahead, but the latest Spurs deals are only adding further doubt to the icon’s long-term future in N17.
Spurs signings point to Son exit
While Mathys Tel was part of Tottenham’s squad for the second half of last season, his permanent arrival in tandem with the recent signing of Mohammed Kudus will directly impact Son’s standing at Spurs.
Excluding Bryan Gil and Richarlison, who are expected to leave this summer, Frank now has eight wide forward options to choose from.
The upheaval at Tottenham may have prompted Frank to retain his senior players, but the fact that Cristian Romero now appears set to stay will reduce his need for Son’s presence.
Speaking on The Athletic’s View from the Lane podcast (14 July), Dan Kilpatrick stated that Son is the most likely senior figure to leave Spurs this summer.
Kilpatrick stated, “As it stands, Son is more likely to leave than Romero and probably any other really senior player in the squad.”
“The chances of [Romero] leaving have decreased, and the chances of Son leaving have only increased since the start of the summer with the capture of Kudus and the likely arrival of [Morgan] Gibbs-White as well, just increasing the competition in those forward places.”
Son would still be an excellent mentor to the younger players in the dressing room, and possesses enough quality to make a difference still if used more sparingly.
However, the former Bayer Leverkusen winger may not be willing to play a bit-part role at the club, and could now be closer to leaving the North Londoners than ever before.
Son would leave big boots to fill
Along with Harry Kane before his departure, Son has carried Spurs’ attack for years, with both his pace and accurate finishing with both feet, which has seen him consistently outperform his expected goals.
His departure would also leave a significant void to fill off the pitch, as his character and professionalism are as unique as his footballing abilities.
It will arguably be Frank’s most significant task to ensure he selects the right leaders among the playing squad to step up and help guide the young team as successfully as Son has done.
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