Is It Time for Son Heung-min to Leave? The Saudi Transfer Debate Shakes Tottenham Fans

The Saudi Temptation: Why Is Son Heung-min Linked to a Move?

Did you know that Son Heung-min, after a decade at Tottenham, is now at the center of one of the most talked-about transfer sagas in football? This summer, Saudi Pro League giants Al Ahli, Al Nassr, and Al Qadisiyah are reportedly battling to sign him, with offers rumored to reach £50 million or more. The British media and bookmakers now rate the likelihood of Son moving to Saudi Arabia at nearly 70%. For Tottenham, who have just ended a 17-year trophy drought with a Europa League win led by Son, the stakes could not be higher.

But why now? Son's contract was extended until 2026, but his recent form—7 goals and 9 assists in 30 Premier League games—has sparked debate. Injuries and age have led some to believe this summer is the last chance for Spurs to cash in on their captain, while Saudi clubs see his star power as a way to open up the Asian market.

Tottenham’s Dilemma: Legend or Asset?

Tottenham fans are split. On one hand, Son is a club legend, the first Asian player to win the Premier League Golden Boot and now the captain who brought European glory to North London. On the other, his declining stats and growing injury list have led to calls for a rebuild. A recent Football London fan survey showed 57% support selling Son to Saudi Arabia, with only 21% arguing he should stay out of loyalty. Even club veterans have weighed in, suggesting that Son’s speed no longer matches the Premier League’s pace and that a move could extend his career elsewhere.

From a business perspective, selling Son now could fund new signings, but emotionally, it risks alienating a global fanbase that sees him as the heart of Spurs.

The Korean Perspective: More Than Just a Transfer

For Korean fans, Son Heung-min’s potential departure is about more than football. He is a national icon, and his journey in Europe has been a source of immense pride. Naver and Tistory blogs are buzzing with mixed emotions: some say he deserves a lucrative Saudi move after years of loyalty, while others plead for him to retire as a Tottenham legend. The consensus? If he leaves, let it be on his own terms, not as a forced sale.

One blogger wrote, “He either retires a Tottenham legend—or ends his run in Europe with grace. But please, not yet.” The debate is as much about national pride as it is about footballing logic.

Fan Communities React: The Good, the Bad, and the Sentimental

Community forums like Naver, Daum, and PGR21 are ablaze with debate. On Naver, positive comments highlight Son’s loyalty and his right to a big payday, while negative voices question his recent performances and urge Tottenham to move on. The ratio? About 60% support a respectful farewell, while 40% are ready for a new era.

Representative comments include: “If he wants the payday, let him. He’s earned it,” and “He’s the soul of the team. If Sonny goes, we start over.” On Daum, skepticism is higher, with some fans worried that Tottenham is using Son’s legacy for commercial gain rather than sporting ambition.

Inside the Numbers: Was Son’s 2024-25 Season Really That Bad?

Let’s break down the stats: Son played 30 Premier League matches, scoring 7 goals and providing 9 assists. Across all competitions, he notched 11 goals and 12 assists—a drop from his peak but still respectable for a 33-year-old. His Europa League campaign, however, was a highlight, with 3 crucial goals en route to the trophy. Yet, compared to his Golden Boot season, the decline is clear. Injuries have limited his explosiveness, and advanced metrics show a dip in shot creation and defensive contribution.

Still, Son remains one of the most marketable and respected Asian footballers in history.

Cultural Insight: Why Son’s Transfer Saga Matters Globally

International fans might wonder why Son’s potential move is such a big deal. In Korea, Son is more than a player—he’s a symbol of perseverance and global ambition. His success has inspired a generation of Asian footballers and fans. For Tottenham, his departure would not just be a loss on the pitch but a seismic shift in the club’s global identity. Saudi clubs, meanwhile, see Son as the key to unlocking a massive Asian audience, both commercially and culturally.

This transfer saga is a case study in how football, business, and national identity collide in the modern game.

What Happens Next? The Summer of Uncertainty

So, what’s next for Son Heung-min? As of June 2025, no deal has been finalized. Tottenham have triggered a contract extension, but the club is reportedly open to offers if the price is right. Saudi clubs are ready to break the bank, and fan sentiment is more divided than ever. Son himself remains silent, focusing on pre-season and letting his agent handle negotiations.

One thing is certain: whatever decision is made, it will ripple across continents, shaping not just the future of Tottenham and the Saudi Pro League, but also the legacy of one of Asia’s greatest footballers.