"Son Heung-min, a player symbolizing failure."

Footmercato reported on the 2nd (Korea time) that "Son Heung-min is still declining at Tottenham, even after extending his contract last January. The claim of Tottenham is gradually losing its advantage, and questions about the current position are being raised."

It continued, "Tottenham is having a difficult season this year. They recorded a meager 13th place in the Premier League and were also eliminated from domestic cup competitions," noting that "Son Heung-min is a player symbolizing this new failure," pointing out that Son Heung-min represents Tottenham's failure.

Additionally, Footmercato stated, "Son Heung-min has lost his talent. He was sitting on the bench during the match against Manchester City. His position is being challenged not only by the coach but also by supporters," emphasizing that, "In recent weeks, Son Heung-min's performance has significantly dropped. He has scored only one goal in the league since signing the extension contract in January.

Son Heung-min is shaking both on and off the pitch this season. On the field, he has recorded 10 goals and 10 assists in 36 matches due to the effects of a hamstring injury and a strenuous schedule. He has not scored a goal in the last 9 matches. Although the numbers are not bad, there are voices of criticism because it is Son Heung-min.

His future at Tottenham is also uncertain. Son Heung-min was originally set to have his contract expire at the end of this season. However, instead of signing a new long-term contract, Tottenham hastily activated a one-year extension option last January. As a result, speculation continues that Son Heung-min could leave the team this summer.

ESPN analyzed that "Son Heung-min has not always been a starter at Tottenham recently. He has been substituted even in situations where at least one goal was needed against Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, and Arsenal," adding that "Manager Ange Postecoglou is demanding a tremendous amount of running from Son Heung-min."

ESPN evaluated that Son Heung-min's performance has declined.

Before manager Postecoglou's arrival, Son Heung-min recorded an average of 19 sprints per Premier League match over the past three seasons.

In the first season under manager Postecoglou, the figure jumped to an astonishing 24.5 sprints. Thus, it is difficult for Son Heung-min to perform in perfect condition.

ESPN reported, "Tottenham lacked available attackers. Son Heung-min played 17 matches only in December and January. Fatigue was unavoidable," and noted, "Son Heung-min has accounted for 43% of the team's goals and assists when playing with Harry Kane (Bayern Munich). Now, it has significantly dropped to 36%."

Additionally, it stated, "Some Tottenham fans are questioning Son Heung-min's future as he marks his 10th anniversary with the team," mentioning that "Kane's transfer to Bayern in 2023 may have impacted Son Heung-min more than other players. During Kane's absence, Son Heung-min also played as a central striker."

The possibility of Son Heung-min continuing with Tottenham is also unclear. Tottenham activated Son Heung-min's one-year contract extension option last January, but the status of a contract renewal remains uncertain.

According to Cutoffside et al., clubs from the Saudi Arabian Professional League (SPL) and Major League Soccer (MLS) are keeping an eye on Son Heung-min's transfer.

ESPN added, "According to sources, Son Heung-min's camp felt considerable disappointment as there have been no discussions regarding a new contract," suggesting that "If emotions are removed from player contract decisions, reevaluating the possibility of a renewal 12 months later would be a logical approach for a club like Tottenham."

More than the performance issues, the criticism towards Son Heung-min has reached an extreme level.

Former Tottenham commentator Jamie O'Hara openly criticized, saying, "Son Heung-min is not captain material."

O'Hara claimed that Son Heung-min is not captain material, asserting he is the number one reason for the struggles, rather than issues with the club's management or the coach's tactics. While comments from teammates supporting Son Heung-min somewhat quelled the situation, this reflects the unpleasant local sentiment.

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