Local media in the UK claimed that Son Heung-min's (33) position within the team has weakened and suggested Richarlison (28, as Richarlison) as an alternative. However, there has been a series of responses stating that this assessment is difficult to accept realistically.
UK's 'Tottenham Hotspur News' reported on the 31st of last month (Korean time) that "Tottenham is preparing to restructure its attack through the summer transfer window, and the Son Heung-min era is entering its final stage."
The media also argued that "Richarlison and Dominic Solanke are resources that can replace Son Heung-min," adding that "a forward with practical experience, like Matheus Cunha of Wolverhampton Wanderers, is needed." However, there is much criticism that claims of Richarlison being able to replace Son Heung-min lack objective basis.
Recently, multiple local media outlets such as 'To The Rain and Back' and 'Give Me Sport' have reported that "Tottenham is planning to secure funds by selling Son Heung-min," focusing on the possibility of Son Heung-min's transfer. In particular, there have been evaluations stating that "Son Heung-min has not lived up to expectations even after extending his contract and is in a state of decline."
Son Heung-min, who joined Tottenham in 2015, has long served as the team's marquee striker and has repeatedly ranked among the league's best, including as the top scorer. Nevertheless, alongside the team's poor performance, rumors of contract termination or sale have surfaced.
As skepticism about Son Heung-min grows, the change in attitude of former Tottenham coach Harry Redknapp, who had once given sharp assessments, draws attention. He previously downplayed Son Heung-min by saying, "He is not captain material," but recently through 'Talk Sport' changed his stance, stating, "Son Heung-min is still a player who can contribute to Tottenham."
Redknapp said, "Replacing Son Heung-min is never an easy task. Matthias Tell, on loan from Bayern Munich, is still not a definite alternative." Tell was loaned to Tottenham in January but failed to make his presence felt in the league and Europa League.
Despite the criticism, Son Heung-min is quietly contributing to the team. He has recorded 11 goals and 11 assists in 40 matches this season, making him one of the top players in the team in terms of attacking points.
In the second leg of the Europa League Round of 16 against AZ Alkmaar, he participated in all goal scenes, leading to a 3-1 victory, and during the 29th round of the Premier League against Fulham, he changed the mood of the game right after being substituted in. He has consistently maintained his position during the team's difficult times.
Tottenham is currently in a situation where it has fallen to 14th place in the league. They have been eliminated early from the FA Cup and the League Cup. The possibility of winning the Europa League is also low. Talk Sport reported that "in the event that Champions League qualification is lost, a number of key players are expected to depart," stating that Son Heung-min could also be subject to change.
Richarlison? The reality is different. Richarlison, mentioned as a replacement for Son Heung-min, has disappointed fans, struggling with underperformance and injuries throughout the season. He suddenly fell during the League Cup semifinal against Liverpool and was substituted, showing a lack of energy on the field. Despite his underwhelming performance, there has been significant backlash from fans regarding being labeled as a 'replacement for Son Heung-min.'
It is bittersweet that Son Heung-min, who has been loyal to the club for a long time, is now being mentioned as a potential release candidate. He chose Tottenham over offers from big clubs, but now his position within the team is even being shaken.
Despite this situation, his performance continues to shine, and Son Heung-min's future is expected to serve as an important metric in gauging the direction of Tottenham's rebuilding plans. If Tottenham genuinely wants change this summer, a colder judgment is necessary.
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