Could this be the end of Son Heung-min's (33) time at Tottenham Hotspur, to which he has dedicated 10 years?
Tottenham News reported on the 31st (Korea time) that "Son Heung-min has ended at Tottenham as news on transfers to take a 'next step' has been updated," adding that "Tottenham may be preparing to part ways with Son Heung-min this upcoming summer."
Son Heung-min is a legend at Tottenham, as everyone recognizes. He has never changed teams since joining Tottenham in 2015 after leaving Bayer Leverkusen. He has scored 173 goals and provided 96 assists in 448 matches while wearing the number 7 jersey for Tottenham.
'To The Rain and Back' also emphasized that "Son Heung-min has been a loyal servant since joining Tottenham in 2015. The word 'legend' is used too easily in football, but the number 7 of Tottenham is indeed a club legend and one of the greatest players in the club’s history. Son Heung-min is loved by all the fans and performs for Tottenham every week."
However, Son Heung-min has suffered from excessive criticism throughout this season. There are even suggestions that he should step down from the captaincy as doubts about his leadership surface from time to time. As Tottenham has plunged into severe poor performance, there is a climate blaming captain Son Heung-min for excessive responsibility.
Now, discussions about Son Heung-min’s potential release are being mentioned. Earlier, Tottenham News stated that "it has been a gloomy season for Tottenham. The same can be said for Son Heung-min. He once boasted a reputation as the top striker in the Premier League. However, Son Heung-min's decline is truly regrettable, and it seems only a matter of time before his Tottenham career ends."
Furthermore, it pointed out that "In fact, Son Heung-min has had a difficult season alongside numerous stars under manager Ange Postecoglou. This has been a great frustration for Tottenham's loyal fans. Tottenham has slipped to 14th place in the Premier League with captain Son Heung-min. It is undeniably the worst season anyone can see."
Mateus Cunha is being mentioned as a potential replacement for Son Heung-min. Tottenham News claims that "Parting ways cleanly might be the best for both Son Heung-min and Tottenham ahead of the new season," adding that "There is no doubt that the Tottenham roster urgently needs changes. The most needed revamp is in the attack. They could bring in an experienced Premier League player like Cunha, who has performed outstandingly at Wolverhampton."
Cunha, the main striker alongside Hwang Hee-chan at Wolverhampton, recently re-signed with Wolverhampton until 2029, but it is known that there is a buyout clause amounting to £62 million (about 118.2 billion won). According to the Daily Mail, Manager Postecoglou desires to activate this clause to bring Cunha in.
In fact, Cunha has also shown his intention to transfer. In a recent interview with The Guardian, he stated, "There are some things that are uncontrollable. However, I couldn't leave a team that is in the relegation zone in the middle of the season due to difficult circumstances," adding, "Now we have almost achieved our (survival) goal. But I made it clear that we need to take the next step. I want to fight for championships or big things. I have potential."
Cunha has recorded 15 goals and 4 assists in 29 matches across all competitions this season. Because of this, he is being closely monitored by Tottenham, as well as teams contending for the title like Arsenal and Liverpool. However, it seems Tottenham will have to let go of existing players in accordance with the revenue and sustainability regulations to acquire Cunha.
Tottenham News states that "Many Tottenham fans would consider acquiring Cunha ahead of the new season as a significant ambition for the club. Considering how the revenue and sustainability regulation works, it is highly likely that someone has to leave Tottenham Hotspur Stadium," suggesting that "Selling Son Heung-min may be reasonable. He may not necessarily be the first target for sale, but due to his age and high salary, he could be a strong candidate."
In fact, it may be a better choice to keep Richarlison, who has been seen as a release candidate, rather than letting Son Heung-min go. Richarlison has become a 'glass body' due to numerous injuries since joining Tottenham. Because of this, there have been many claims that he should be let go, even if it is belated.
However, Tottenham News emphasizes that "Bringing in Cunha while letting Son Heung-min go would provide comfort for Richarlison within the team. It would also further enhance Cunha’s qualities. Dominic Solanke could also benefit from this. If Tottenham has goal scorers, it would provide more momentum to rise higher in the Premier League next season."
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