Saudi Arabia clubs express ‘interest’ in £41.7m deal for Tottenham star with ‘lack of leadership’
Tottenham Hotspur could face significant interest in one of their most pivotal players this summer as they navigate a challenging season.
Spurs have struggled to find consistency, remaining stuck in the bottom half of the Premier League table after a disappointing campaign. While injuries have played a substantial role in disrupting their momentum, Ange Postecoglou has faced mounting pressure due to his inability to consistently deliver results.
However, with key players returning to fitness and a morale-boosting victory over Manchester United last weekend, there are signs of gradual progress for the North London side.
The January transfer window saw Tottenham add reinforcements, including Kevin Danso, Antonin Kinsky, and Mathys Tel, yet it is evident that further investment will be necessary during the summer to build depth and strengthen the squad.
At the same time, departures may also occur, with speculation growing around the future of one of the club’s most iconic figures, Son Heung-min. The 32-year-old has not delivered his best performances this season but has still managed an impressive contribution of 10 goals and eight assists.
Despite a dip in form, his undeniable quality continues to make him a valuable asset.
According to reports from CaughtOffside, teams in the Saudi Pro League are keeping a close eye on Son’s situation, with both Al Ittihad and Al Hilal reportedly willing to table an offer of up to £41.7 million to secure his services.
The interest from these clubs could present Tottenham with a crucial decision to make. Given Son’s age and the lucrative nature of the potential deal, Spurs may find themselves tempted to cash in.
However, his contract, which runs until the summer of 2026, means the club also has the option to retain him for the long term or extend his stay with a new agreement.
While discussions surrounding Son’s future continue to emerge, his role as captain has also come under scrutiny. Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara has voiced concerns about Son’s leadership, suggesting that he may not be the right figure to wear the armband.
O’Hara criticized the lack of fight, heart, and leadership displayed by Spurs in key matches, particularly in recent clashes against Liverpool and Aston Villa. He argued that the absence of leadership stems from both the manager and the team captain, claiming that Son lacks the commanding presence needed to inspire his teammates during challenging moments.
O’Hara stated, “Son Heung-min is an incredible player and a loyal servant to Tottenham, but he is not the leader this team requires right now.
A captain must lead from the front, rally the players, and drag the team out of difficult situations when needed. Unfortunately, Son doesn’t possess those qualities. He’s a phenomenal talent, but it’s time to reassess his role as captain and hand the responsibility to someone better suited to the task.”
Son’s contributions on the pitch remain vital, but the debate surrounding his captaincy highlights broader concerns within Tottenham’s squad.
Leadership has become a pressing issue for the club as they aim to recover from a disappointing season and build a more competitive team. The coming summer presents an opportunity to address these challenges, both in terms of player acquisitions and internal restructuring.
As Tottenham approach the transfer window, balancing their immediate needs with long-term objectives will be essential. Son’s situation epitomizes the complexity of such decisions, as his value to the team extends beyond just his goals and assists.
Whether Spurs choose to capitalize on the interest from Saudi Arabia or reaffirm their commitment to one of their most beloved players, the decision will undoubtedly shape the next phase of the club’s evolution.
For now, Son’s focus remains on helping Tottenham finish the season strongly and reclaim some pride after a difficult campaign. As discussions surrounding his future and leadership continue, the club must carefully weigh their options to ensure they move forward with clarity and ambition.