What Mohammed Kudus signing means for Heung-min Son as questions mount over Tottenham future | OneFootball

Spurs captain could leave on a high after lifting club’s first major silverware for 17 years as Thomas Frank’s transfer plans take shape

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Dan Kilpatrick

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It was hard to argue. Son played his part in Tottenham winning a first piece of silverware since 2008, and in doing so ended the 41-year wait for a European trophy.

New arrival: Mohammed Kudus is the first player to leave West Ham for Tottenham since Scott Parker in 2011

London Standard

Football does not stand still, though, and within weeks of that night in Spain there was serious talk over whether that could prove to be the final chapter in Son’s Spurs story.

The 33-year-old has now entered the final 12 months of his contract and, after a decade in north London, there could be an appeal for Son in going out on a high. There is believed to be interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia and the USA.

For all it was a historic campaign, last term was also the worst goalscoring season for Son since his first year at Spurs.

He netted only seven Premier League goals, compared to 17 the season before and 23 during the 2021/22 campaign. Despite declaring himself fully fit, Son started the Europa League final against Manchester United on the bench.

The arrival of Mohammed Kudus, which followed the permanent signing of Mathys Tel, adds further questions to Son’s future in north London and whether Spurs are preparing for life without the South Korean.

However, Son appears certain to be involved in the pre-season tour to his home country later this month and could still have an important role to play under Thomas Frank.

The days of Son being the talismanic, constant presence in the first team appear over, but Spurs should know better than most the significance of strength in depth.

The squad was decimated by injuries last term and the need to bolster options this season is even more crucial, with a Champions League campaign to come.

This is a young Spurs squad with limited experience of playing at Europe’s top table. Son provides that, having scored 16 goals for the club in the competition.

Kudus is likely to be first-choice on the right wing and that could mean Son rotating with Tel on the left wing. That is no bad thing, with Tel’s spell at Spurs last season not enough to convince that the 20-year-old is ready to start every week.

If Son decides the time is now to leave, there can be no begrudging him a move and Spurs will be confident of coping

There are decisions for Spurs to make and there will surely be some departures in forward areas. Along with Kudus, Son and Tel, Frank also has Brennan Johnson, Wilson Odobert, Richarlison, Mikey Moore, Manor Solomon and Dejan Kulusevski as wide options.

If Son decides the time is now to leave, there can be no begrudging him a move and Spurs will be confident of coping with that exit.

However, Son remains a hugely popular figure. As captain and the club's longest-serving player, he still has an important role to play off the pitch after a summer of change at Spurs.

Minutes on the pitch are likely to be more limited, but it would be more of a worry if Spurs were heavily reliant on Son at this stage of his career. One final season, with the appeal of Champions League football and the chance to add to his legend, could suit all parties.