Tottenham is expected to sign Lee Kang-in's (Paris Saint-Germain) close friend. They have targeted him as a replacement for Son Heung-min.

Tribuna reported on the 1st (Korean time) that "Tottenham, Aston Villa, and Newcastle are interested in Ferran Torres," adding that "Barcelona plans to transfer Torres. Barcelona might consider selling if they receive €50 million (80 billion won)."

Torres, who came from the Valencia youth team, is a close friend with Lee Kang-in, having spent childhood together. It is known that they still maintain their friendship and support each other. Ferran, who made his first-team debut at Valencia ahead of Lee Kang-in, showed growth after moving to Manchester City in 2020 but has not fully unleashed his potential since then.

After heading to Barcelona in 2022 seeking a rebound, Torres lost his place to players like Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski. Ultimately, his transfer became highly likely.

However, this season has been different. Under coach Hansi Flick, Ferran has found his role. This season, he has played as a joker rather than a starter and contributed to Barcelona's victories.

Of the 20 matches he featured in La Liga, Ferran started in only 7 of them, but he has already recorded 7 goals and 2 assists. Additionally, he has surpassed his career-high with 13 goals and 3 assists in official competitions this season. As a result, he is attracting interest from Premier League clubs including Tottenham.

If Torres joins Tottenham, it is highly likely that Son Heung-min will leave. Recently, British media have been considering the possibility of a transfer for Son Heung-min to be high.

Tottenham Hotspur News announced on the 1st that it was Son Heung-min's 8th career award, stating, "Despite criticism for underperforming this season, Son Heung-min has communicated some good news."

Tottenham Hotspur News claimed on the 31st of last month that "Tottenham is planning new changes through the transfer market. They have judged that the era of Son Heung-min has ended."

They continued, "Son Heung-min needs to be sold. This is reasonable. While he is not the top player to sell, considering his age and high salary, he can be seen as a strong candidate for transfer," adding, "If he departs, players like Richarlison and Dominic Solanke could also be helpful."

Tottenham Hotspur News reported, "Tottenham needs to restructure their attacking lineup in the upcoming transfer market. They require an experienced player like Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton."

According to To The Rain and Back from the 29th of last month, "Tottenham may move to part ways with Son Heung-min. It is likely that an era at Tottenham will come to an end," noting, "Tottenham is expected to seriously consider offers for Son Heung-min in the upcoming summer transfer market."

Although Son Heung-min had options activated in January, extending his contract with Tottenham through 2026, he has been criticized by some fans and local experts as to whether he is truly a candidate for contract extension due to his inconsistent performance throughout this season.

Tottenham Hotspur News reported, "Despite the uncertain situation, Son Heung-min conveyed positive news. As the possibility of Son leaving Tottenham after the season is raised, he recently received a significant award in South Korea."

They added, "Although he has faced various difficulties this season, Son Heung-min still has the opportunity to lift his first Tottenham trophy as the team's captain. Tottenham has reached the quarterfinals of the Europa League and is focusing on reclaiming a major trophy for the first time in 17 years," noting, "To achieve this, Son Heung-min must once again fulfill his role as the team's ace, and this 'Player of the Year' award could serve as an opportunity to boost his confidence."

Tottenham Hotspur News noted, "In recent weeks, Son Heung-min has sometimes been omitted from the starting lineup, and his comments expressing dissatisfaction with his playing time may have affected his relationship with the coach."

There is a reason this part of the article was labeled 'unfounded claim'. Since the 22nd of last month, Tottenham Hotspur News has consistently claimed, "With Son Heung-min's interview becoming known, Coach Ange Postecoglou might feel displeased with Son's statements."

The basis for this is a pre-match press conference held before the match against Oman on March 19 at Goyang Stadium. At that press conference, Son Heung-min stated, "I am in very good shape. As I have said multiple times, now is the best condition for me. It has been physically demanding to juggle the Europa League and the league in March, but I believe the coach has judged that I can maintain a better condition. Currently, my physical state is not an issue."

Regarding this statement, Tottenham Hotspur interpreted that Son Heung-min was dissatisfied with Coach Postecoglou's management of his playing time. Son evaluated his physical condition positively, leaving the nuance that 'it was not because of fitness'.

Coach Postecoglou explained, "I rotated due to physical reasons," but some British media speculate that "Is Son being pushed out of plans for tactical reasons?" It is unusual for a captain to be given fewer playing opportunities.

Son Heung-min has quietly fulfilled his role. Especially in the second leg of the Round of 16 against AZ Alkmaar, he was involved in all goals, leading to a 3-1 victory and contributing to an aggregate score of 3-2 for advancing to the quarterfinals. He also showcased his ability to change the game's momentum just after the start of the second half in the league match against Fulham, which was not progressing. His display of skill put pressure on Redknapp's changing narrative.

With 40 official matches this season, he has shown the most explosive attacking power in Tottenham with 11 goals and 11 assists.

Give Me Sports reported on the 24th that "Tottenham is planning a blockbuster transfer of Son Heung-min. The groundwork for the transfer has already been laid. Tottenham intends to part ways with Son Heung-min ahead of the summer transfer market."

It's not common for Son Heung-min to be treated poorly. Ultimately, it appears to be Tottenham's intention to diminish him and create a favorable situation for themselves.

To The Rain and Back noted that "Tottenham is also said to want to acquire Nico Williams through a buyout. However, since the player is happy at Athletic Bilbao, it may not be easy to persuade him. For Tottenham to sign him, they need to qualify for the UEFA Champions League."

The likelihood of Nico Williams joining Tottenham is low. However, if he joins Tottenham, he is sure to serve as a replacement for Son Heung-min.

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