This article includes exclusive comment from former Tottenham scout Bryan King.
Son Heung-min’s future has been one of the main talking points of the summer at Tottenham.
The South Korean star has been a vital player for the Lilywhites for several years, but there is plenty of speculation that he may have already played his final game for the N17 outfit.
Spurs have been facing interest in Son from MLS side LAFC, after the interest from Saudi Arabia from earlier in the transfer window has seemingly now waned.
The 33-year-old didn’t look his usual self at times last season, and there have been suggestions that it could now be time for him to move on after he helped end the club’s lengthy trophy drought.
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Son in line for new deal at Spurs after Frank decision
Son is set for crunch talks with Thomas Frank about his future imminently, but it is understood that if he is to depart, then Tottenham won’t allow his exit until after their pre-season tour of Asia.
The North Londoners are believed to have a contractual obligation to play the attacker during the tour, or they risk losing out on up to 75 per cent of their potential revenue from the matches.
The veteran star’s contract is due to expire at the end of the season, but the possibility of him staying put certainly hasn’t been ruled out as of yet.
Ex-Spurs scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes that Son will be offered a new contract by Spurs, as a result of Frank’s influence.
“After Harry Kane, the most popular player within the last few years at Spurs is Son,” King said.
“If I were Tottenham, I would keep him for this season and then offer him another year next summer. Because then, if he does go to another club, there’s got to be a fee involved because Spurs have made an offer.
“If I were Frank, I think I’d need all the help I could get in my first season, and having Son on my side could only help.
“As the club captain and probably the most popular player at the football club, I would want him to stay.”
Son deserves to see out his contract at Tottenham
Son has been an excellent servant to Tottenham over the years, and he deserves to depart in the most dignified manner possible whenever that moment comes.
He has clocked up over 450 appearances and notched over 170 goals for the Lilywhites across a decade in their colours, and he deserves to be allowed to see out his contract at the very least.
Daniel Levy would not be able to get a big fee for him now that he’s 33, and he is still capable of playing a decent role in the side.
It is a testament to the South Korean’s remarkably high standards that a season of seven Premier League goals and nine assists was seen as a poor one last time out.
Son will know that his time to move on is approaching at some point soon, but he should be allowed one last season before that moment comes.