The Athletic's Tottenham Hotspur reporter Jay Harris posted a message, analyzing why Son Heung-min chose to leave Tottenham at this time and whether Tottenham would introduce its replacement.
After Frank replaced Postkoglu as Tottenham head coach in June this year, he communicated with core players in the team, including Son Heung-min. At that time, only Son Heung-min clearly expressed his willingness to leave the team, and no other players made a transfer request.
In the past 12 months, various signs indicate that Son Heung-min's North London career may reach its end. At the beginning of the year, his contract was only half a year left. Although Spurs activated the 12-month renewal clause, it only temporarily alleviated doubts about its future. Due to the lack of signing the long-term contract, the possibility of leaving the team always exists, especially since he no longer played the absolute core role of the team last season as he did in previous years.
Tottenham has sufficient reserves on the left wing. Although Terl, who was introduced on loan last winter window, performed ups and downs, the club still bought it out this summer. The French U21 international is mainly a left winger under Australia and Poland, and Aldobert, signed from Burnley last year, can also play on both wings. In addition, the 17-year-old youth training product Mickey Moore was rented out to Glasgow Rangers for training, and the club has high hopes for its long-term development.
Son Heung-min scored only 7 league goals last season, failing to reach a double-digit goal for the first time since the 2015-16 season. Despite the objective factors that resulted in the absence of 8 league games by hamstring and foot injuries, it is an indisputable fact that Tottenham's overall performance is sluggish. The glory of winning the Europa League cannot conceal the team's struggle in the Premier League.
After winning the Europa League trophy, Son Heung-min believes that this is the ideal time to seek new challenges. With Tottenham going to compete in the Champions League next season, the depth of the lineup is facing a greater test. This is also one of the reasons why the club chose Frank, who is good at training new coaches, to take over, but experienced players are also indispensable. After signing West Ham's Kudus, they are negotiating with Bayern midfielder Palinia on loan.
Frank favored Terl and Aldobert, but the instability of the two is still a hidden danger. The contradiction that introduces mature players may affect the growth of new stars will become a topic that Frank and athletic director John Lange must weigh before closing the window.