Still a Spurs Player: Son Heung-min Expected to Start in Tottenham's First Preseason Match Despite Transfer Rumors

Son Heung-min's Future Under New Management

The summer of 2025 has been filled with uncertainty for Son Heung-min, but one thing remains clear - he's still a Tottenham player. As the club prepares for their first preseason friendly against Reading on July 19th, the South Korean captain finds himself at the center of intense speculation about his future. Despite numerous transfer rumors linking him to clubs in Saudi Arabia and Major League Soccer, Son is expected to feature prominently in new manager Thomas Frank's first match in charge.

The appointment of Thomas Frank as Tottenham's new manager has brought fresh hope to the club following their Europa League triumph last season. Frank, who previously managed Brentford with great success, inherits a squad that includes one of the Premier League's most beloved players. Son's decade-long journey at Tottenham has been marked by incredible highs and challenging lows, making his potential departure a topic of intense debate among fans and pundits alike.

Recent reports from Football London suggest that Frank is keen to assess Son's current form and fitness levels before making any decisions about his future. The Danish manager's pragmatic approach to squad management means he'll likely give Son every opportunity to prove his worth in the new system. This assessment period could be crucial in determining whether the 33-year-old forward remains at the club beyond this summer.

Transfer Speculation Reaches Fever Pitch

The transfer rumors surrounding Son Heung-min have intensified dramatically over the past few weeks. Multiple reports suggest that three Saudi Arabian clubs - Al Ahli, Al Nassr, and Al Qadsiah - are prepared to offer substantial financial packages to secure his services. According to transfer expert Ben Jacobs, these clubs are willing to pay €40 million plus add-ons, along with an attractive annual salary of €30 million.

However, it's not just the Middle East showing interest in Son's services. Los Angeles FC from Major League Soccer has emerged as a serious contender, with reports suggesting that Son views a move to the United States more favorably than a transfer to Saudi Arabia. The appeal of playing in Los Angeles lies partly in its proximity to South Korea, making international travel more manageable, and the presence of a vibrant Korean community in the city.

Despite the lucrative offers and growing speculation, recent insights from Football-Asia indicate that Son is unlikely to leave Tottenham this summer. The report suggests that while he had a friendly video call with an unnamed MLS franchise, presumably LAFC, a transfer to California is not anticipated before the summer of 2026. This development has provided some relief to Tottenham fans who were fearing an imminent departure of their beloved captain.

Frank's First Test and Tactical Plans

Thomas Frank's first match as Tottenham manager will be closely scrutinized by fans and media alike. The friendly against Reading at the Select Car Leasing Stadium represents more than just a preseason warm-up - it's an opportunity for Frank to implement his tactical philosophy and assess his squad's capabilities. The match kicks off at 3pm BST and will be broadcast live on SPURSPLAY.

According to Football London's predictions, Frank is expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Son Heung-min likely to start on the left wing. The predicted lineup includes key players such as Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Lucas Bergvall, alongside new signing Mohammed Kudus. This tactical setup would allow Son to operate in his preferred position while providing the flexibility to drift inward and create chances for his teammates.

The Danish manager's approach to squad rotation during preseason will be interesting to observe. With no major international tournaments this summer, Frank has the luxury of working with most of his first-team squad from the beginning. This gives him an excellent opportunity to experiment with different formations and player combinations while building chemistry within the team.

Son's Performance Analysis and Future Role

Son Heung-min's 2024-25 season statistics paint a picture of a player who, while still effective, may not be at the peak of his powers. Recording 11 goals and 11 assists across 46 matches, his numbers represent a decline from previous seasons. Analysis of his performance data shows decreased dribble success rates, shooting accuracy, and sprint metrics, suggesting that physical wear and tear may be becoming more apparent.

Despite these concerns, Son's experience and leadership qualities remain invaluable to Tottenham. His role as club captain demonstrates the trust placed in him by the previous management, and Frank will need to determine whether this leadership structure fits his vision for the team. The South Korean's ability to perform in crucial moments and his understanding of the club's culture make him a unique asset that would be difficult to replace.

From a tactical perspective, Son's versatility allows him to operate across the front line, providing Frank with multiple options in his attacking setup. Whether deployed as a left winger, attacking midfielder, or even as a false nine, Son's movement and finishing ability continue to pose problems for opposing defenses. His partnership with new signings like Mohammed Kudus could prove crucial in unlocking the team's attacking potential.

Commercial Considerations and Asian Tour Impact

The commercial implications of Son Heung-min's potential departure cannot be understated. As one of the most marketable players in world football, particularly in Asian markets, his presence is crucial for Tottenham's global brand. The upcoming Asian tour, which includes a match against Newcastle United at Seoul World Cup Stadium on August 3rd, has been specifically designed around Son's involvement.

Reports suggest that Tottenham has contractual obligations with tour organizers that include Son's participation in the Asian friendlies. This commercial reality means that any transfer announcement is likely to be delayed until after the conclusion of the tour. The club's strategy appears to be maximizing Son's commercial value while maintaining flexibility regarding his future.

The 2025 Coupang Play Series represents a significant revenue opportunity for Tottenham, with the club traveling to Korea as Europa League champions. Son's presence at these events, fan meetings, and media activities is expected to generate substantial income through merchandise sales, sponsorship activations, and broadcast revenues. This financial consideration adds another layer of complexity to any potential transfer negotiations.

Fan Reactions and Community Response

The Tottenham fanbase remains divided on Son Heung-min's future, with emotions running high across various platforms. On social media and fan forums, supporters express a mixture of gratitude for his decade of service and concern about his declining performance levels. Many fans acknowledge that while they would be sad to see him leave, they understand the commercial and sporting logic behind a potential transfer.

Community reactions from Korean football fans have been particularly intense, with many expressing hope that Son will remain in Europe to continue competing at the highest level. The prospect of him moving to Saudi Arabia or MLS has generated mixed responses, with some viewing it as a natural progression in his career while others see it as a premature step down from elite competition.

The online discourse surrounding Son's situation reflects the broader challenges facing aging superstars in modern football. Fans recognize his legendary status at the club while also acknowledging the need for squad renewal and tactical evolution. This emotional complexity makes any decision regarding his future particularly sensitive for all parties involved.

Looking Ahead: The Path Forward

As Tottenham prepares for the new season under Thomas Frank's leadership, Son Heung-min's role will be crucial in determining the team's success. The preseason period offers an opportunity for both player and manager to establish a working relationship and determine how best to utilize Son's remaining years at the highest level. Frank's first press conference, scheduled for Friday, may provide additional clarity on the club's plans for their captain.

The coming weeks will likely see continued speculation about Son's future, but the immediate focus must be on preparing for the new season. Whether he remains at Tottenham or moves elsewhere, Son's legacy at the club is already secure. His contributions to the team's Europa League triumph and his consistent performances over the past decade have cemented his place in Tottenham folklore.

Ultimately, the decision about Son's future may rest with the player himself. As Football London's Alasdair Gold noted, Son has earned the right to choose his own path after ten years of loyal service. Whether that path leads to a final season at Tottenham, a new challenge in Major League Soccer, or a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia, his impact on the club and its fans will be remembered for years to come.