Tottenham Hotspur's decision to extend Son Heung-min's contract for another year not only eases fans' worries but also affirms the Korean striker's irreplaceable role at the club.
However, this decision also opens up a series of big questions: will the 2025-2026 campaign be Son's last at Spurs? Or how will Tottenham manage one of the most important transition periods in the club's history?
It is no surprise that the board has decided to activate the contract extension clause with Son Heung-min. Letting the Korean star leave at the end of the 2024-2025 season without any transfer fee would be a huge loss. Moreover, his departure would leave a huge void in terms of expertise, leadership spirit and especially the global influence that Son brings.
However, despite the one-year contract extension, this only temporarily postpones the problem. There is still the question of the 32-year-old striker's long-term future at Tottenham. After the 2025-2026 season, will Sonny continue to stick with the London team or have they started preparing for a plan to no longer have him in the squad?
Although Son has been consistent as captain, this season has not been his best. The striker born in 1992 has played almost every match in the Premier League, but his personal achievements have not been outstanding with only 5 goals and 6 assists. These are not bad numbers but they are not commensurate with the expectations placed on him.
Son Heung-min’s age of 32 is starting to weigh heavily on him. As a player who relies heavily on speed and physical explosiveness, the South Korean star is inevitably showing signs of age. This season, there have been moments when he has lost his sharpness in front of goal or lacked the explosiveness in high-speed moves.
In addition, the injury situation and lack of personnel in the Tottenham squad also made Son have to shoulder more. In the context of reserve players such as Richarlison, Mikey Moore or Wilson Odobert all having health problems, the captain of the "Rooster" was forced to play regularly, leading to physical exhaustion.
Next year will be an important year for Son and Korean football as the 2026 World Cup approaches. This will be the 4th World Cup of the 1992-born striker's career and possibly his last. Although the Korean team has a great chance to qualify, the pressure of preparing and competing in this tournament will certainly affect Sonny's performance at Tottenham.
Spurs have a dilemma to face after the World Cup. Should the club extend Son's contract to the 2026-27 season or beyond? Given the 32-year-old's influence on and off the pitch, Tottenham would be hard-pressed to lose the iconic player.
Son Heung-min will be 34 by the time the 2026 World Cup takes place, an age when many players start to think about the end of their careers. If Son leaves Tottenham, it is unlikely that he will join a rival team in the Premier League or Europe. However, with his global reputation and influence, the South Korean striker will have no shortage of offers from the world's top leagues or from the US, the Middle East and Asia.
Whatever the future holds, Son will forever be remembered as one of the greatest players in Tottenham's history. With over a decade of dedication, he has not only left his mark with beautiful goals but also become a symbol of professionalism, team spirit and inspiration for millions of fans of the North London club.
