Son Heung-min is preparing for life away from Tottenham after almost a decade in North London.
While players like Gareth Bale and Harry Kane have arguably reached loftier heights in their careers, Son’s status at Spurs may be more fondly remembered for his loyalty and achievements.
In Tottenham’s time of need, the 32-year-old signed a fresh four-year contract in North London, with the option for an extra year, which was recently taken up by Spurs.
However, with that one year left on his deal and after captaining Tottenham to their first piece of silverware in 17 years, Son could finally be in line to leave North London following recent developments.
Tottenham ready to sell Son after pre-season tour in South Korea
Tottenham have a lucrative pre-season schedule organised, which includes travelling to South Korea to face Newcastle United (3 August).
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As reported by The Times (17 June), Tottenham are willing to sell Son, but the forward is highly unlikely to leave before the North London club concludes its tour in Asia.
Son is commercially contracted to feature for Tottenham in his home country, and the Lilywhites do not want to risk complications were the winger to depart before the Newcastle fixture.
The news led to criticism for Daniel Levy from fans, who are not only upset to see Spurs sell their icon, but believe that this money-driven decision does not befit the loyalty shown by Son.
While this might complicate the forward’s departure from North London, Son will likely have no shortage of options, with interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey already being reported.
And ex-Spurs scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes Son already has his next club lined up and could leave the day after the tour.
“Tottenham will already have their Son replacement,” King said.
“If they’re going to sell him, they will have their replacement signed before that game, and that player will probably feature in the match against Newcastle in South Korea.
“Meanwhile, for Son, he likely already has his next club lined up, and could be ready to make the move to that club the day after that game in South Korea is played. However, it will be very interesting to see what Thomas Frank makes of this situation.”
Tottenham are preparing for a new era
The departure of Son would leave just Ben Davies as the last remaining player from the Mauricio Pochettino era, with the Welshman also linked with a move away from Tottenham this summer.
Frank is expecting an overhaul of other senior players and has been given the task of developing the future generation at Spurs.
It will spark the beginning of a new era, and while there would be sadness to see a club legend like Son depart, he would be leaving on a high.