Is Son Heung-min the Next Ronaldo? Saudi Clubs Offer £25 Million a Year—Will He Leave Tottenham After a Decade?

Son Heung-min’s Saudi Temptation: The Biggest Asian Transfer Ever?

Did you know that Son Heung-min, Tottenham’s beloved captain, is now the hottest name in the transfer market? As of June 2025, three Saudi Pro League giants—Al Nassr, Al Ahli, and Al Qadsiah—are fiercely competing to sign him, each reportedly ready to pay Tottenham a transfer fee of £34 million and offer Son a staggering annual salary of £25.3 million. This would instantly make Son one of the league’s top earners, just behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. The Saudi clubs’ interest is not just about football: they see Son as a marketing goldmine who can unlock the lucrative East Asian market, especially South Korea, through broadcast rights and merchandise sales.

Tottenham’s Dilemma: Football Value vs. Global Marketing Power

Tottenham faces a unique crossroads. Son has just one year left on his contract, and while the club exercised a one-year extension, they couldn’t secure a longer deal. With Son turning 33 in July and coming off a season where he lifted the Europa League trophy but scored only seven Premier League goals, Spurs are weighing his footballing value against his immense commercial pull. Son is more than just a player for Tottenham—he is the club’s face in Asia, a key to their global business strategy, and a symbol for millions of fans. That’s why any decision about his future is as much about business as it is about football.

Saudi Arabia’s Grand Plan: From Ronaldo to Son, Building a Global League

Why are Saudi clubs so desperate for Son? The Saudi Pro League has already made global headlines by signing superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, and Karim Benzema. Now, with Ronaldo’s potential departure looming, the league wants a new Asian superstar to maintain its global image and expand its reach. Son, as the most successful Asian footballer in European history, is seen as the perfect successor. Saudi clubs believe that signing Son will not only boost their on-field performance but also bring in massive TV deals and fan engagement from Korea and across Asia.

Community Buzz: Korean Fans Torn, Global Fans Watching Closely

Online communities in Korea are buzzing with debate. On Naver and Daum, some fans support Son’s potential move, saying, “He deserves a final big payday after all he’s achieved,” while others worry, “Tottenham will lose its soul if Son leaves.” The positive-to-negative sentiment is roughly split 60:40, with many recognizing the financial logic but fearing the loss of a national icon from Europe’s top leagues. Internationally, Spurs fans are anxious: “Losing Kane was hard, but losing Son would be devastating,” one fan wrote on Reddit. Meanwhile, Saudi fans are excited about the prospect of welcoming an Asian superstar to their league.

Cultural Insight: Why Son’s Decision Resonates Far Beyond Football

For overseas fans, it’s crucial to understand Son’s unique status in Korea. He’s more than a footballer—he’s a national hero, a role model, and a bridge between East and West. His journey from Bundesliga to Premier League, his Golden Boot, and his leadership of the national team have made him a household name. Brands like Adidas, Samsung, and Burberry line up for his endorsement, and his every move is headline news. A move to Saudi Arabia would not just be a football story; it would be a cultural shift, signaling the growing power of Asian athletes in the global sports market.

Inside the Numbers: The Money and the Market

Let’s break down the numbers: Son currently earns about £9.88 million a year at Spurs. The Saudi offer—£25.3 million annually—is nearly triple that, and would put him among the top five earners in the Saudi league. For Tottenham, the £34 million transfer fee is tempting, especially with Son’s contract winding down. For the Saudi clubs, the investment is about more than goals; it’s about capturing the hearts (and wallets) of millions of Asian fans. The broadcast rights alone could offset much of Son’s salary, making the deal a win-win for both sides.

What’s Next? The Timeline and the Farewell Tour

Here’s what’s happening next: Tottenham is commercially obligated to feature Son in a high-profile friendly against Newcastle in Seoul on August 3. That means any transfer will likely be delayed until after the Asia tour, which could serve as a farewell for Son in front of his home fans. Spurs’ new manager, Thomas Frank, is ready to reshape the squad, and the club is open to selling Son if the right offer comes. The Saudi summer transfer window opens on July 20, so expect major developments in August.

Fan Voices: From Naver to Reddit—What Are People Saying?

Naver Blog and Tistory posts are filled with analysis and emotion. One blogger wrote, “If Son leaves, Tottenham’s Asian marketing will collapse.” Another commented, “He’s earned the right to choose his destiny.” On DC Inside and FM Korea, the mood is mixed: some see the move as a natural next step for a legend, while others hope he’ll finish his career in Europe. The consensus? Whatever Son decides, he has the full respect and support of his fans.

The Big Picture: Son’s Legacy and the Future of Asian Football

Son Heung-min’s next move will shape not just his own legacy, but also the future of Asian footballers in the global game. If he joins the Saudi Pro League, he’ll be at the forefront of a new era where Asian stars are not just participants but power brokers in world football. Whether he stays at Tottenham or heads to the Middle East, Son’s story is a testament to talent, hard work, and the ever-growing influence of Asian athletes on the world stage.