Ademola Lookman (28, Atalanta) has been mentioned as a candidate to replace Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham).
Tottenham Hotspur News reported on the 4th (Korean time) that "Tottenham has no need for contract extension discussions with Son Heung-min. Therefore, they are seriously considering his transfer."
Son Heung-min, who has been evaluated as one of the best players in the Premier League, is raising questions about his future amid a recent decline in performance. Although he leads the team as captain, his continuous poor performance in recent games has amplified the controversy surrounding his play.
Son Heung-min has recorded 10 goals and 10 assists in 36 official matches this season. While this is not a bad record, his disappointing performance has led to evaluations that he is not meeting expectations.
Additionally, Tottenham's push for a rapid generational change is altering his position. Previously, ESPN pointed out that "Son Heung-min has been an 'untouchable' presence within the team, but for the first time, that status is being shaken."
Opinions among Tottenham fans are also divided. Some fans respect Son Heung-min's contributions and hope for him to stay, while others believe that changes are needed for the future of the team. Tottenham Hotspur News reported, citing Spain's 'Pichajes,' that "if Son Heung-min transfers to Bayern Munich, many fans will support his new challenge."
It seems Tottenham is also keeping the possibility of Son Heung-min's departure in mind. The team has brought in Mathys Tel on loan for an overhaul of the attack and is considering the acquisition of players such as Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace and Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton.
In this situation, another name has emerged as a 'potential replacement for Son Heung-min,' namely Ademola Lookman, a winger born in 1997 from Atalanta BC.
Ademola Lookman is a Nigerian national player of British descent, known for his rapid pace and strong physicality, showcasing bold breaks and playmaking abilities. He can play versatile roles, operating both as a winger and a second striker, which allows him to perform various functions in the offense.
Tottenham Hotspur News reported that "Son Heung-min, who will turn 33 when the next season begins, is already showing signs of declining performance, and Tottenham must decide whether to offer a new contract to an aging player or invest that money elsewhere."
Citing 'TBR Football,' it was noted that "Tottenham has reportedly received inquiries from Lookman's agents regarding the possibility of a transfer. The outlet reported that Tottenham is one of the Premier League clubs aware of the possibility of signing the Nigerian national player this summer."
The media explained that "Lookman is also receiving interest from Italian clubs, with Juventus and SSC Napoli reportedly wanting to acquire him. This transfer speculation arose after Atalanta's Gian Piero Gasperini publicly criticized Lookman for missing a penalty kick in last month's UEFA Champions League match against Club Brugge."
It was added that "Currently, Lookman is seriously considering options to leave Atalanta and return to the Premier League."
It is uncertain whether Tottenham will actively pursue Lookman's acquisition, but it is deemed worthwhile to consider him as a resource to replace Son Heung-min. Lookman is 5 years younger than Son Heung-min and still has time left to reach his peak. Additionally, like Son Heung-min, he can play not only as a left winger but also as a center forward, making him an attractive acquisition option for manager Ange Postecoglou.
Tottenham Hotspur News mentioned that "some believe Tottenham wants to retain Son Heung-min until he retires, but it may be a better choice to use the funds intended for his contract extension on a young and promising player like Lookman," suggesting that investing in Lookman's acquisition might be a more sound decision than pushing for a contract renewal with Son Heung-min.
[OSEN = Jung Seung-woo Reporter]