Tottenham reportedly considering $67 million sale of Son Heung-min to Saudi club Al Nassr
Tottenham Hotspur's Son Heung-min applauds fans during a lap of appreciation at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, Britain, May 25. Reuters-Yonhap
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly exploring the possibility of selling Son Heung-min this summer, with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr emerging as a strong contender to sign the South Korean star. The move would mark a dramatic shift for both Son and Tottenham, as the club looks to capitalize on a potential transfer fee of at least 50 million pounds (about $67 million).
Son, who turns 33 in July, has been a transformative figure for Spurs since his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen a decade ago for around 44 billion won. He became the team’s talisman, leading them to their first trophy in 17 years by helping lift the UEFA Europa League title this season. His impact extended beyond the pitch, as Son’s global popularity, particularly in Asia, played a crucial role in boosting Tottenham’s marketing presence at home games, whether at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium or Wembley.
Tottenham Hotspur's Son Heung-min holds the Europa League trophy at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, Britain, May 25. Reuters-Yonhap
Despite his significance, British media reports suggest that Son’s future at the club is now under review, with Saudi clubs circling. Al Nassr, home to Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane, is reportedly leading the pursuit. The Sun reported on May 30 that Tottenham could consider Son’s departure if a substantial offer arrives this summer, identifying Al Nassr as the frontrunner.
Al Nassr, which reached the semifinals of the AFC Champions League Elite tournament in April, is reportedly eyeing Son as a replacement for Ronaldo, who is expected to leave the club this summer. The report noted that Saudi officials see Son as a national icon in Korea and believe he can help boost the Saudi Pro League’s profile among East Asian fans.
Al Nassr’s interest in Son comes after a failed attempt to sign Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah. According to The Sun, Saudi clubs originally targeted Salah, but with the Egyptian star renewing his contract and helping Liverpool win the Premier League’s Golden Boot and Playmaker awards this season, the focus has shifted to Son.
Son’s 2024-2025 season saw him struggle with injuries, including a hamstring issue that sidelined him for three weeks in September and October and a foot injury that kept him out for a month in April. While he returned to play a part in Tottenham’s Europa League final victory at San Mames on May 22, the club’s long-term plans reportedly no longer center around him.
Son ended the season with 11 goals and 12 assists across 46 matches, including seven goals in the Premier League, but his streak of eight consecutive seasons with double-digit league goals came to an end.
Financially, a sale to a Saudi club makes sense for Spurs. Selling Son for 50 million pounds would allow the club to recoup double its initial investment, while freeing up funds to strengthen the squad for next season’s UEFA Champions League campaign.
Tottenham are also believed to be considering contingencies, such as the signing of Yang Min-hyeok last year, to offset the potential loss of Son’s marketing power.
Al Nassr had previously signed Cristiano Ronaldo in January 2023 on a 200 million euro salary, with Ronaldo promoting both the team and the country through various media channels. However, reports suggest Ronaldo could soon move to rival Saudi club Al Hilal to participate in the Club World Cup in the United States.
Tottenham's Son Heung-min holds the trophy aloft as he celebrates with teammates after winning the Europa League final soccer match against Manchester United at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, Spain, May 21. AP-Yonhap
Al Nassr’s pursuit of Son follows reports from Saudi outlet Alamyadi, which claimed Tottenham are willing to negotiate but have set a firm asking price of 50 million pounds. Former Tottenham scout Brian King also predicted in February that the club would seek at least that amount for Son, given his contract’s remaining one-year term and his age.
Tottenham Hotspur's South Korean forward Son Heung-min celebrates after the UEFA Europa League final football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, May 21. AFP-Yonhap
For Son, the decision to join a Saudi club comes as speculation swirls about a deal similar in size to the 240 billion won offer he reportedly rejected from Al Ittihad two years ago. Should Son decide to make the move, reports suggest the transfer could proceed quickly.
This article from Xportsnews is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.