Kenya, June 3 -- In a development that could mark the end of a storied chapter for Tottenham Hotspur, The Telegraph reports that star forward and club captain Son Heung-min is likely to depart this summer.
With his contract set to expire in June 2026, the Spurs are reportedly preparing to cash in on the 32-year-old South Korean, whose potential move to the Saudi Pro League could provide crucial funds for a much-needed squad rebuild under manager Ange Postecoglou.
Son, a Tottenham icon since his £22 million transfer from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015, has been a cornerstone of the club's attack for a decade. The versatile forward, known for his electrifying pace, clinical finishing, and relentless work rate, has scored 162 goals and provided 83 assists in 408 appearances across all competitions, placing him among Tottenham's all-time greats.
In 2023, he made history as the first Spurs captain to lift a trophy in 17 years, leading the team to League Cup glory in a moment that cemented his legacy in North London.
However, recent reports suggest that Son's form has dipped, prompting Tottenham to consider offers for their talismanic captain. With only one year left on his contract, the club faces a critical decision: sell now to secure a significant transfer fee or risk losing him for free in 2026.
Sources indicate that Spurs view this summer as their final opportunity to generate substantial funds from Son's departure, which could be reinvested into a squad overhaul aimed at restoring Tottenham's competitiveness in the Premier League and beyond.
Interest from the Saudi Pro League has emerged as a viable option for Tottenham, with several clubs reportedly prepared to offer lucrative deals for the South Korean international.
The financial might of Saudi clubs, backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), could provide Spurs with a transfer fee in the range of £50-60 million, a sum that would significantly bolster Postecoglou's transfer budget.
While no specific clubs have been named, Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, and Al-Ittihad-home to stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Karim Benzema-are among the league's most prominent destinations for high-profile signings.
Son's potential exit comes at a pivotal moment for Tottenham, which has struggled to maintain consistency in recent seasons. Despite the League Cup triumph, Spurs finished outside the Premier League's top four last term, missing out on Champions League qualification.
Postecoglou, now in his second full season, is keen to reshape the squad to align with his high-pressing, attacking philosophy. The funds from Son's sale could facilitate signings in key areas, including a dynamic winger, a creative midfielder, and a robust center-back, as Tottenham aims to close the gap on rivals like Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool.
For Son, a move to Saudi Arabia would represent a significant shift after a decade in Europe's top leagues. The forward, who previously starred for Hamburg and Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, has been a fan favorite at Tottenham for his humility, leadership, and consistent performances.
His partnership with Harry Kane, before the latter's move to Bayern Munich, was one of the Premier League's most lethal, with the duo combining for a record 47 direct goal involvements.
Even after Kane's departure, Son adapted to the captaincy role, shouldering the responsibility of leading a young, transitioning squad.
However, concerns over his recent form, coupled with the physical demands of Postecoglou's system, have fueled speculation about his future. At 32, Son remains a world-class talent, but the allure of a high-paying contract in the Saudi Pro League, combined with a less physically demanding environment, could prove tempting.
Such a move would also align with the growing trend of prominent players joining the Middle Eastern league, which has aggressively pursued global stars to elevate its profile.
Tottenham's readiness to part ways with Son underscores the club's broader strategy to balance sentiment with pragmatism. Chairman Daniel Levy and sporting director Johan Lange are reportedly focused on long-term sustainability, prioritizing players who fit Postecoglou's vision and can contribute to a new era of success.
The potential departure of Son, while emotionally charged for fans, is considered a necessary step to fund acquisitions and address squad depth, particularly with Tottenham competing in multiple competitions, including the Europa League, next season.
As the transfer window heats up, all eyes will be on Son's next move and Tottenham's plans to reinvest the proceeds. For Spurs supporters, the prospect of losing their captain-a player who embodied the club's spirit through highs and lows-is bittersweet.
Yet, if Son departs, he does so as a legend, having etched his name in Tottenham's history books as the man who ended a 17-year trophy drought.
Negotiations with Saudi clubs are expected to intensify in the coming weeks, with Tottenham aiming to finalize any deal before their pre-season preparations begin in earnest.
Whether Son's next chapter unfolds in the Middle East or elsewhere, his contributions to Tottenham will be remembered as a defining part of the club's modern era.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.