Where will Son shine next season? Spurs captain faces decision on future this summer

Son Heung-min Faces Crucial Career Crossroads After a Decade of Devotion to Tottenham

Back in 1982, punk rock band The Clash famously posed the question: “Should I stay or should I go?” Now, more than four decades later, a different kind of London icon — one from the world of football — might be grappling with the same dilemma.

Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min, who is set to celebrate his 33rd birthday next week, finds himself at a pivotal point in his career. After ten remarkable years in North London, the South Korean star may be considering whether to close the curtain on his Spurs chapter or extend his loyalty a little longer.

Son has cemented his legacy at Tottenham, not just with his flair and talent, but with unwavering commitment. In an era when players often jump ship for silverware or bigger contracts, Son has stayed true to the lilywhite badge through thick and thin — and finally reaped the rewards this past season. He led Spurs to their first trophy in 17 years and, more historically, their first European title in over four decades. His on-field contributions — 127 Premier League goals and 77 assists — have been monumental. Alongside Harry Kane, he formed the most prolific goal-scoring partnership the Premier League has ever seen.

In every sense, Son has earned the right to control his destiny.

Though still under contract for another year, his future at Tottenham is now the subject of growing speculation. New head coach Thomas Frank, brought in to usher in a fresh era following a chaotic 2024/25 campaign, is reportedly open to granting Son a respectful exit — should the veteran forward express the desire to seek a new challenge.

It’s not an easy decision. Son is, by all accounts, emotionally tethered to Tottenham. He’s often described as the heart and soul of the team — a player whose loyalty, work ethic, and character have made him a fan favorite not just in England, but worldwide. If ever there were a player who could say, “cut me and I bleed lilywhite,” it’s Son.

However, with a major trophy now in hand — and perhaps a cheeky grin knowing he got there before Kane — Son appears more open than ever before to exploring what the next phase of his career might look like. According to reports, he is expected to sit down with Thomas Frank in the coming days to clarify his role in the new manager’s plans, especially in terms of playing time and squad rotation.

Should Son choose to move on, his options are far from limited. While a move to another Premier League club seems unlikely at this stage — though nothing is ever completely off the table — interest is reportedly building from several foreign leagues.

Clubs from Major League Soccer in the United States and the Saudi Pro League are both said to be monitoring his situation closely. Either destination would offer lucrative deals and the chance to take on a new lifestyle challenge. Meanwhile, a return to Germany, where Son began his professional journey with Hamburger SV and later Bayer Leverkusen, could offer a nostalgic homecoming of sorts.

Intriguingly, Son may also have the opportunity to reunite with a familiar face. Former Tottenham boss José Mourinho, now at the helm of Turkish giants Fenerbahce, is rumored to have reached out to Son with a potential offer. The Portuguese tactician is believed to be eager to work with him once again, especially with Fenerbahce embarking on an ambitious recruitment drive this summer.

Financially, Spurs are reportedly seeking a transfer fee in the region of £40 million ($55 million) for their talisman. That figure could fluctuate depending on market dynamics, but what’s certain is that this summer presents Tottenham with their final opportunity to secure a fee before Son becomes a free agent in 2026. For the club, allowing him to depart now may make financial sense, particularly if he is leaning toward a new challenge anyway.

As speculation intensifies, bookmakers have begun weighing in. A move to Saudi Arabia currently leads the odds, followed closely by Fenerbahce, MLS clubs, and then a return to the Bundesliga.

Still, fans may not get clarity on Son’s future for several more weeks. Tottenham are scheduled to play a high-profile pre-season friendly in Seoul on August 3 — a game that carries not only sentimental value for Son but also contractual significance for the club. If Son fails to appear, Spurs would be liable for a hefty 3.7 billion won ($2.7 million) penalty. As a result, even if a transfer is agreed in principle before then, any announcement may be strategically delayed until after that fixture.

In a twist of poetic fate, that August match in his homeland could serve as a grand farewell — one last opportunity for Son Heung-min to don the white shirt before turning the page.

For a player who has given so much to Tottenham Hotspur, both on and off the pitch, whatever decision he makes will be met with admiration and respect. Whether he stays to guide a new generation at Spurs or embarks on a fresh adventure, Son’s place in club folklore is already secure.

And just like The Clash once sang, “If I go, there will be trouble. If I stay, it will be double.” But for Son Heung-min, perhaps it’s simply time to write the next chapter.