"In the summer of 2026, Son Heung-min will leave as a free agent."
Team Talk highlighted the future of four Tottenham players whose contracts are set to expire in 2026 on the 1st (Korean time). The four players are Son Heung-min, Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Bryan Gil.
Team Talk argued that Son Heung-min and Bentancur should stay with the team; however, the conditions they proposed for Son Heung-min were absurd.
Team Talk explained, "Even if they sell him this summer, the chances of receiving a significant transfer fee are low. Son Heung-min will turn 33 in July and his performance is showing a decline." They continued, "He is still very popular in the locker room and can play a valuable role as a rotation member in the Postecoglou system."
However, they asserted, "Tottenham needs better on-field leadership moving forward, so it would be advisable for him to relinquish the captain's armband. The team tends to crumble easily when the game doesn't go as desired." They also added, "Considering this, it makes sense for Tottenham to allow Son Heung-min to leave as a free agent in the summer of 2026 and receive a transfer bonus from a new team. With 172 goals and 94 assists in 444 matches, he deserves it." Ultimately, the media argued that while Son Heung-min should remain with the team for now, he should be released as a free agent in the summer of 2026. If he re-signs with Tottenham, a reduced role would inevitably lead to a salary cut.
Son Heung-min is currently struggling on and off the field this season. On the field, he has recorded 10 goals and 10 assists in 36 matches due to hamstring injuries and a hectic schedule. He hasn't scored a goal in the last nine matches. While those numbers aren't bad, there are criticisms because it's Son Heung-min. Uncertainty surrounds his future with Tottenham, as his contract was originally set to expire at the end of this season. However, instead of negotiating a multi-year contract, Tottenham hastily activated a one-year extension option last January. This has led to ongoing speculation that Son Heung-min may leave the team this summer.
Tottenham Hotspur News reported on the 1st, "Son Heung-min's future could be decided in the coming weeks," stating, "If Son Heung-min, who is rumored to be transferring to Bayern Munich, does leave, it will be amid blessings after a decade of dedication."
It wasn't considered shocking news. The situation could sufficiently allow for Son Heung-min's transfer, particularly due to rumors about a move to Bayern Munich.
The Times stated, "Tottenham wants to retire Son Heung-min at the club. They are trying to persuade him to extend his contract, which has only one year remaining, but so far, they have been unable to do so."
Tottenham Hotspur News reported, "To extend Son Heung-min's contract, various approaches are needed. They must propose a special contract that allows him to remain a club icon or keep open the possibility of adjusting playing time and taking on a future leadership role. Tottenham should present a long-term vision to Son Heung-min."
Of course, there is also ample possibility of acquiring a replacement player. There is a possibility of permanently signing Matthias Tel, who was brought in on loan.
Additionally, there are rumors about a significant investment in Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace. Recently, forecasts also suggested that they might invest £62 million (114.3 billion won) to bring in Matheus Cunha (Wolverhampton).
With the potential for the addition of replacements, Son Heung-min seems largely indifferent about leaving the team. Tottenham Hotspur News began to evaluate the benefits, stating, "Since Tottenham needs to make a significant investment in Cunha, if Son Heung-min transfers to Bayern Munich, they will demand a hefty fee."
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