Thomas Franks’ Son Heung-min Dilemma

New Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank has inherited more than just a football squad, he has also stepped into an awkward situation surrounding the future of club captain and talisman, Son Heung-min. As the summer unfolds, all eyes will be on whether the South Korean star stays at Spurs or closes the curtain on a historic decade in north London.

A Familiar Precedent

This isn’t the first time Spurs have faced such uncertainty over a key figure. Just two summers ago, Ange Postecoglou had to navigate the Harry Kane saga, publicly pretending everything was business as usual while privately preparing for life after the England captain. Kane ultimately left for Bayern Munich, and Tottenham failed to replace him directly.

Now, Frank finds himself in a similar, but even more delicate, position. Son is not only Tottenham’s captain and icon but also their most marketable global star. Unlike Kane, who had one foot out the door early, Son’s situation remains murkier, and the lack of clarity could become a distraction as pre-season begins.

Contract Countdown

Son turns 33 next month and has just 12 months left on his contract. While no final decision has been made, multiple reports suggest he is more open to a move than ever before. Having finally lifted a European trophy with Spurs, winning the Europa League last season, Son admitted in Korean media that he had stayed in recent years primarily to make history with the club. That box is now checked.

“I think it’s right to wait rather than say anything here since my contract remains,” Son told reporters earlier this month. “No matter where I am, I’m still a player who has always done my best and worked hard.”

His words, while diplomatic, underscore a truth Spurs cannot ignore: Son is at a crossroads, and so is the club.

Commercial Complications

Son’s influence extends far beyond the pitch. His immense popularity in Asia has made him a commercial asset like no other Spurs player in history. His image rights—largely retained personally, bring in lucrative sponsorships and drive Tottenham’s growing profile across the continent.

Spurs’ planned pre-season tour of South Korea and Hong Kong, including high-profile friendlies against Arsenal and Newcastle, is built around Son’s presence. His potential exit before the tour would likely incur substantial commercial losses and disrupt contractual obligations tied to his appearances.

Silence Speaks Volumes

In Thomas Frank’s first interview since taking the job, he spoke warmly about various senior players he looked forward to working with, but conspicuously omitted Son Heung-min. Whether an accidental oversight or deliberate avoidance due to ongoing discussions, the silence raised eyebrows.

The likelihood is that both Frank and club chairman Daniel Levy have been briefed to tread carefully. Public statements could disrupt delicate negotiations, both on a possible contract extension or transfer discussions behind the scenes.

Options on the Table

Tottenham’s options are limited and time-sensitive:

• Offer a short-term contract extension to preserve his value and defer the decision by another year.
• Sell this summer to secure a meaningful transfer fee.
• Let him leave for free in 2026, which would make little business sense for a club in transition.

From a footballing standpoint, Son is still a reliable performer, scoring double figures last season and providing leadership during a tumultuous campaign. But with Spurs’ style evolving under Frank, and new faces like Mathys Tel and possibly Bryan Mbeumo arriving, it’s unclear whether Son fits the long-term vision.

The Decision Must Be His

Given his status, legacy, and contributions, 173 goals and 101 assists in 454 appearances, Son deserves the final say. Whether he chooses to stay and lead Spurs into a new chapter, or pursue a fresh challenge, Tottenham fans and management alike will surely respect his decision.

Until then, it remains the most awkward topic of Tottenham’s summer, and one Thomas Frank cannot afford to avoid for long.