Son min-Heung gestures during a press conferece at Hotspur Way Training Ground in London, Wednesday. AP-Yonhap
The future of Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min has become a hot topic in the English Premier League. With his contract set to expire in June 2024, fans are eagerly anticipating whether he will extend his stay or make a move to a new team.
During a Wednesday press conference ahead of the UEFA Europa League match against Qaraba? on Thursday, Son addressed questions about his contract renewal with Tottenham, saying, "We haven't talked about anything yet."
He emphasized, "I am fully focused on this year and just want to win something that everyone at the club deserves," adding, "In the future, you never know what will happen. I'll give everything for this club for sure".
Son signed his second contract extension in 2021, which is set to expire in June next year. The contract includes an option to extend for an additional year, and according to reports from Britain, Tottenham is expected to activate the clause.
However, Son's recent comments about not having had contract discussions have sparked intense speculation about his future.
As a Tottenham legend, with 164 goals in official matches, Son ranks fourth on the club's all-time scoring list, just 10 goals shy of Martin Chivers, in third place.
Son also made a similar statement at a recent Tottenham fan forum when asked if he would finish his career at the club, saying, "The future is unpredictable. Even if the day comes when I leave the club, I hope to see you all smiling, and I want to be remembered as a club legend."
Tottenham Hotspur's Son Heung-min receives medical attention after sustaining an injury during the Europa League football match against Qarabag FK in London, Thursday. AP-Yonhap
Interest from European and Saudi clubs
As recently as last season, the bond between Son Heung-min and Tottenham was so strong that there were even talks of a lifetime contract.
In particular, last summer, when Harry Kane, recognized as Europe's top striker and part of the famous Son-Kane duo, transferred to Bayern Munich, there was strong public sentiment that Tottenham must keep Son.
However, the atmosphere seems to be shifting as the new season progresses. Recent reports from Spanish media have added to the speculation.
Spanish outlet Fichajes reported that Atlético Madrid is preparing to sign Son as a free agent next season, saying there has already been contact between Atlético Madrid and Son's agency.
Atlético Madrid is one of the top three clubs in La Liga, alongside Real Madrid and FC Barcelona and has won the league title 11 times. The club has also lifted the UEFA Europa League trophy three times, making it an attractive option for Son, who has yet to win a major European title.
Meanwhile, the Saudi Arabian league continues to tempt Son with astronomical salary offers. Last year, ESPN reported that Al-Ittihad offered Son a deal worth 60 million euros.
Other Saudi clubs, including Al-Nassr, where Cristiano Ronaldo plays, and Al-Hilal, are also reportedly interested in signing Son.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.