Son Heung-min is already aware that his future at Tottenham Hotspur is not guaranteed beyond this summer. With just weeks until the new season begins, there is a possibility that the South Korean forward could leave the club before the Premier League kicks off.
Thomas Frank, the new man in charge at Spurs, was not able to make any promises about Son’s long-term role at the club when he addressed the media on Friday.
The club are keeping their cards close to their chest in terms of how likely a departure is going to be.
However, sources do indicate that Tottenham are unwilling to commit to keeping him beyond their pre-season tour. It could turn out to be a farewell tour.
Despite his iconic status in North London and his immense popularity in Asia, the player does not appear to have clarity on what happens next.
Son, 33, is scheduled to be a key figure on the club’s upcoming tour, with matches against Arsenal in Hong Kong on July 31 and Newcastle in Seoul three days later.
His inclusion in the squad is essential from a commercial standpoint, particularly given the significance of the trip in expanding Tottenham’s brand. With his image heavily tied to promotional materials and ticket sales, omitting him from the tour would put the club at risk with tour organisers.
Yet behind the scenes, discussions have taken place and it is understood the club have intimated to Son they would not stand in his way should a suitable offer come in.
The player is not pushing to do so, but Tottenham are open to doing business if the terms are right as they are weighing up the opportunity to cash in while they still can. Son has 12 months remaining on his current deal, and this will be the final window where they can command a big fee for him.
Tottenham are not actively pushing Son out, but they do acknowledge that the club has already enjoyed the peak years of his career.
With an eye on the future, they have moved decisively in the market already, sealing a permanent deal for Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel and signing Mohammed Kudus from West Ham. They are also targeting further attacking options, such as Yoane Wissa from Brentford.
Son is no longer viewed as central to Tottenham’s plans. While he remains part of the squad and is set to feature in this weekend’s friendly against Reading, he is available for transfer and has several suitors.
Three Saudi Arabian clubs - Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr and Al-Qadsiah - have shown a readiness to pay over £30 million to take Son to the Middle East. Interest from Major League Soccer has also surfaced, with LAFC linked earlier in the summer. His former manager Jose Mourinho would be keen to take him to Fenerbahce.
Son will travel with the team to Asia, but what happens after that is far from certain. For a player who has given Spurs so many iconic moments, the trip could mark the end of an era.