Lilywhite Rose: Levy could pay multi-million fine to break contract agreement at Tottenham
Potential Exit of Son Heung-min Presents a Dilemma for Daniel Levy and Tottenham
Son Heung-min’s future at Tottenham Hotspur is hanging in the balance this summer, and his potential departure could create significant challenges for chairman Daniel Levy and the club’s transfer strategy.
Having spent nearly a decade in North London, Son has become a fan favourite and a pivotal figure in Tottenham’s recent history. The 32-year-old forward finally lifted silverware with the Lilywhites this past season, playing a crucial role in their UEFA Europa League triumph — a long-awaited achievement that may now serve as a fitting high point to close his Spurs chapter.
According to sources close to Tottenham News, there is currently a 50 percent likelihood that Son leaves the club during this transfer window. While that may suggest an equal chance of him staying, the intricacies surrounding a potential exit make the situation more complex than it seems.
Contractual Obligations May Delay Son’s Departure
A key factor complicating Son’s immediate departure is his contractual obligation to feature in a pre-season friendly. As reported by The Times on 17 June, Son is expected to participate in Tottenham’s upcoming match against Newcastle United, set to take place on 3 August at the Seoul World Cup Stadium in South Korea. The match is part of the Coupang Play Series, and Son’s involvement is considered a major draw for local fans and sponsors.
This requirement means that even if Spurs are seriously considering offers for the South Korean captain, any deal is unlikely to be completed before this high-profile pre-season fixture. The match is not only important from a marketing perspective but also carries contractual and potentially financial implications for Tottenham if Son does not play.
A Workaround? Spurs Could Pay the Fine
However, some believe that this hurdle isn’t insurmountable. Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, John Wenham, owner of the fan outlet Lilywhite Rose, suggested that Tottenham could simply absorb any penalty associated with Son missing the game if a transfer offer proves too attractive to refuse.
“Son has been linked to several clubs this summer,” Wenham said. “If he ends up moving to Saudi Arabia, Spurs could receive a fee in the region of £50-60 million. For clubs in Europe, the number would likely be lower — perhaps around £30 million. But if the right opportunity arises, and there’s a contractual fine involved for not playing in the South Korea friendly, Tottenham will likely just pay it.”
Wenham continued: “It might cost them £2 million or so, but if the offer is right and the club agrees on the transfer, that fee could simply be factored into the overall deal. At the end of the day, Spurs will do what makes financial and strategic sense.”
Keeping Son Could Still Be Valuable
Despite the speculation and potential suitors, there remains a strong argument for retaining Son for at least one more season. Tottenham’s upcoming campaign could be one of the busiest in years, with the club set to return to the UEFA Champions League and possibly compete in more than 50 matches across all competitions.
Given the demanding schedule and the need for squad rotation, Son’s experience and quality could prove invaluable — even if he is no longer the guaranteed starter he once was. As a veteran with European pedigree, Son can serve as both a mentor to younger forwards and a reliable option off the bench or in rotational roles.
At 32, he still possesses pace, intelligence, and a keen eye for goal, and under the right conditions, he could continue to contribute significantly on the pitch.
A Decision That Requires Balance
Tottenham now face a delicate balancing act. Selling Son could bring in substantial funds that help with squad reinforcements, especially if his value remains high due to recent performances and commercial appeal. On the other hand, keeping him for one final season could help Spurs maintain momentum in both domestic and European competitions.
Daniel Levy and the Spurs hierarchy will need to weigh all factors — financial, contractual, and footballing — before making a final decision. Whatever happens, Son Heung-min’s future is shaping up to be one of the most significant storylines of Tottenham’s summer.