Not just Son: Frank set to axe £165k-per-week Spurs “monster” this summer, as he is planning to reshuffle his squad
A New Era Dawns at Tottenham Hotspur Amid Major Summer Changes
The 2024 Premier League season wrapped up less than a month ago, yet Tottenham Hotspur finds itself amid profound transformations. The club has entered what could be one of the most pivotal summers in recent memory, with changes already sweeping through the managerial ranks and looming over the squad.
In a dramatic and somewhat unexpected move, Tottenham parted ways with Ange Postecoglou, the Australian manager who led Spurs to their first major trophy in nearly two decades by clinching the Europa League title. Postecoglou’s departure came just weeks after that triumph, sending shockwaves through the fanbase and football community alike. Almost immediately, whispers and reports began swirling about his successor, and all signs point to Brentford’s Thomas Frank as the man poised to take the helm.
Frank’s appointment signals Tottenham’s intent to rejuvenate their Premier League campaign and build on recent successes. However, for Frank to truly make an impact and steer Spurs to consistent top-tier performances, the club’s leadership—chiefly chairman Daniel Levy and his team—faces the daunting task of navigating a critical summer transfer window. Success this offseason won’t just be measured by big-name arrivals but also by the smart departures of players who no longer fit the club’s long-term vision. Two stars in particular, Son Heung-min and Cristian Romero, are likely to be among those moving on.
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Why Selling Son Heung-min Makes Sense
Son Heung-min’s name is synonymous with Tottenham Hotspur’s identity over the past decade. The South Korean forward has etched himself into the club’s history books, not only through his decade-long commitment but also as the inspirational captain who lifted the Europa League trophy last month. His legendary status at Spurs is undisputed, and he stands tall among the club’s all-time greats.
Despite this, the time might be right for Son to bid farewell this summer. Leaving now would allow him to exit on an extraordinary high, cementing his legacy as a Spurs icon who finished his chapter in North London with a major trophy. Staying on, however, risks seeing his career at the club end on a less glorious note as his physical capabilities inevitably decline.
It’s important to clarify that Son’s recent dip in effectiveness isn’t due to any lack of effort or professionalism on his part. Instead, it’s a natural part of aging, especially for wide attackers, who statistically peak around the age of 26. According to research highlighted by The Athletic, these players experience a sharp decline in their ability to beat defenders after hitting 30. Son, now 32, exemplifies this trend. Last season, he contributed an impressive 27 goal involvements in just 36 appearances, but this term, his output dropped to 23 goal involvements across 46 matches—a clear sign of diminishing returns.
Further backing this observation are advanced stats from FBref, which show Son’s successful take-ons per 90 minutes plunged from being in the Premier League’s top 9% among attacking midfielders and wingers in the 2018/19 season to the bottom 42% this past season. While those numbers might concern Spurs fans, there is a silver lining for the club’s finances.
Reports from French outlet Foot Mercato suggest that Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal have made inquiries about Son. With the Saudi clubs known for lucrative offers, Tottenham could likely secure a significant transfer fee. This would allow Spurs to capitalize financially on a player who has already given so much to the club.
In essence, selling Son this summer represents a win-win: the South Korean superstar retires as a club legend on a high note, and Tottenham can reinvest the funds into fresh talent, helping to rebuild a squad ready to compete for top honors under Thomas Frank.
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The Other Star Spurs Should Consider Selling: Cristian Romero
While Tottenham may look to move on some of their lesser-performing players this summer, such as Yves Bissouma, another high-profile candidate for transfer is Cristian Romero—one of the team’s vice captains and a key defensive figure.
Before the backlash arrives from supporters, it’s crucial to clarify that this is not a judgment on Romero’s quality. The Argentine remains a talented defender capable of playing under the new regime. However, several factors make his sale a logical consideration for Spurs this offseason.
First and foremost is the increasing external interest in Romero. Though linked sporadically with other clubs in the past, the volume and seriousness of transfer rumors have intensified dramatically in recent months. Early reports in April connected him with Real Madrid, one of Europe’s biggest clubs. Since then, the narrative has shifted toward Atlético Madrid—Madrid’s fierce city rivals. Romero, nicknamed “the monster” by football journalist Charlie Eccleshare, has reportedly even had direct talks with Atlético’s coach Diego Simeone and now seems keen to move to Spain. Postecoglou’s departure may have accelerated these feelings, as players often reconsider their futures amid managerial changes.
Secondly, the financial aspect of selling Romero cannot be overstated. Tottenham are said to be aiming for a transfer fee in excess of £60 million for the 27-year-old defender. If they achieve this, the proceeds would provide a significant war chest for Daniel Levy to fund new signings—players who are not only tactically suited to Thomas Frank’s style but also motivated to be at Spurs.
Lastly, fitness issues complicate Romero’s future at Tottenham. This past season, he missed a staggering 27 matches across club and international duties. With a hefty wage of around £165,000 per week, his availability is a crucial concern. Keeping a high-earning defender who struggles with injuries can hinder squad stability and limit the manager’s options.
In summary, while Cristian Romero remains a high-caliber player who contributed significantly during the Europa League campaign, Tottenham must weigh his desire to leave, his injury record, and the potential financial gain. Moving him on now could allow the club to build a more resilient, reliable defensive unit aligned with Frank’s vision.
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Looking Ahead: Tottenham’s Crucial Summer
The upcoming transfer window will shape Tottenham’s trajectory for the foreseeable future. With a new manager ready to implement his philosophy, the onus is on the club’s hierarchy to act decisively—balancing respect for departing legends like Son Heung-min with pragmatic decisions on players like Cristian Romero.
If Spurs navigate this summer successfully, bringing in the right talent while letting go of those ready to move on, Thomas Frank could inherit a squad capable of pushing for Premier League success and European glory. Failure to do so risks stagnation, and with fans hungry for silverware and consistent performances, the pressure is on.
In the ever-evolving world of football, Tottenham Hotspur stands at a crossroads. How they handle this moment could define the next decade of their history.