In August 2015, Son left Bayer Leverkusen in Germany to move to Tottenham Hotspur in England. Back then, the hot topic of conversation was whether the 23-year-old young striker, who broke the Asian transfer record with 30 million euros (40.8 billion won) was able to adapt to the English Premier League. In fact, in his first season after joining Tottenham, he failed to meet expectations due to injury of his soles on his feet. Rumors even suggested that he would return to Germany for the first time in a year.
In his second year, Son showed his true value. With the trust of Mauricio Pochettino (current coach of the U.S. national team), Son played in a total of 47 matches and made 21 goals and 7 assists (14 goals and 6 assists in the league). Being the top scorer at the FA Cup and winning two EPL Player of the Month awards was a bonus. It was a legendary starting point for Tottenham. Since then, Son has become the top scorer for eight consecutive seasons with 23 goals in the 2021-22 season. He has become the “world class” recognized by the world, transcending the best Asian player in history.
The answer to loyalty and dedication is thorough calculation, profit and loss
Tottenham fans had no choice but to love Son Heung-min. With 164 goals and 86 assists since joining the club, he has recorded the fifth-most goals scored and the second-most assists among all Tottenham players. His performance was amazing, but his loyalty and dedication to the team was even more special. He is playing in his 10th season through two renewals, and is also the captain from 2023 to 24. There is no case that he saved his team from a crisis by playing even when he was injured.
In particular, Son was at his peak in both 2018 and 2021, when he renewed his contract. The most prestigious clubs in Europe, including Manchester City, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus, sent out their love calls one after another. As these teams have a higher chance of winning than Tottenham, the temptation was sweet for Son, who does not have a trophy in his career. Harry Kane, who showed the best teamwork with Son, abandoned the title of Tottenham One Club Man and left for Bayern Munich last summer due to his tiredness. However, in a recent interview, Son touched the hearts of fans by saying, “I want to leave something special (winner) for the team I love.”
Son, who is perfect in every aspect, is already considered a legend of Tottenham, even though he is an active player. Teams also use the term “legend” most often when posting about Son on social media. Not only Tottenham fans but also other teams’ fans often express their respect for Son. As such, Son is absolutely supported by fans.
However, Tottenham’s leadership has a different idea. It turned out that the answer to loyalty and dedication is based on thorough calculation and profit or loss. In an official press conference on September 26, a day before the Europa League match against Karabakh, Son said, “We have not had any negotiations with (the club) on renewing the contract. We are focusing on this season.” The remarks created a huge stir. Major British media reported all together that Tottenham is negotiating with Son at the end of last season and understood that it is still in the process, but the player himself said the exact opposite. 먹튀검증
The contract between Son and Tottenham will be terminated next summer by renewing their contract in 2021. However, since there is an option to extend the contract by one year, it can be invoked if an agreement is reached between the two sides. If so, it will be extended until the summer of next year. Rumors of a renewal of contract last summer meant that a new long-term contract would be signed beyond this option. Although Son Heung-min, who was born in 1992, is in his early 30s, he was among the top players in the league in the recent two seasons with 31 goals and 16 assists. Considering his influence in the team, fans’ support, and the value of being a legend, media said that renewing the contract for two to three years is sufficiently persuasive.
Son Heung-min’s Spiny Remarks Toward the Club
Tottenham also made an official comment, saying, “I want to stay with Son Heung-min,” but has been acting in the opposite direction since then. Given the atmosphere so far, Tottenham is focusing on securing a contract by 2026 through an option to extend the contract by one year. This is because they can use a scenario that would be most advantageous for their team. If the contract ends next summer, they will not be able to collect even a penny from Son. Under the Boseman rule, which guarantees a player’s right to freedom of work, they can make contact with and negotiate with a new team six months before the contract ends. As the summer transfer window has already ended, Tottenham cannot send a player to the transfer window this winter on their own. Even if a player permits, the transfer fee is at a bargain price, so the contract period should be extended further.