 |
| Christian Romero, who signed a long-term contract with Tottenham until 2029. He served as vice-captain when he was captain Son Heung-min. Photo = Tottenham |
|
 |
| AFP Yonhap News |
|
'Son Heung-min, you're not in my plan.'
Looking back, Tottenham manager Thomas Frank's first press conference had a clear message. Frank, who moved from Brentford to Tottenham, told a news conference at the Tottenham Hotspur Training Center in London on July 19 that he wanted to `give a young player a chance' and did not set a claim for the next season" Son Heung-min, who wears Tottenham's captain's armband from the summer of 2023, hinted that Son's role could be reduced with a year left until the summer of 2026. In several interviews, he said he respected Son Heung-min's dedication in his 10th year at Tottenham, but he never expressed his intention to use it as the main force of the new season. It was different from former Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho, who showed a lot of affection compared to Brazilian legend Ronaldo right after taking office. Coach Frank's stance was in line with Tottenham's club that `I will respect the player's will no matter what choice Son Heung-min makes this summer.'
Coach Frank began to draw a new picture by recruiting West Ham winger Mohamed Kudus at a time when rumors of a transfer were raging before Son Heung-min's transfer to LA FC was confirmed earlier this month. Although Kudus was not considered a direct competitor to Son Heung-min in that he was a right winger, investing a large transfer fee of 55 million pounds (about 102.5 billion won) was tantamount to a declaration to build a second line of offense around Kudus. In the same vein, he strongly pushed for the recruitment of offensive midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest) and turned to Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace) after failing to recruit Gibbs-White. Kudus and Gibbs-White are 25 years old, Eze is 27 years old, and Son Heung-min is 6-8 years apart. It is a move with generational change in mind.
 |
| ReutersYonhap News |
|
"We haven't decided on a captain for the next season."From the moment he said ," the next argument seems to have been predicted early. Tottenham announced on the 13th that defender Christian Romero has been appointed captain ahead of the European Super Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain. On the 19th, he signed a long-term contract with Romero with an increased salary until June 2029, quelling rumors of a long-term transfer to Atletico Madrid. Romero is said to have assisted Captain Son Heung-min for two years as vice-captain, but the appointment of the captain and the announcement of the renewal proceeded as quickly as if it were a written scenario. "Frank considers Romero the core of the project," said transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Following the Super Cup final, Frank used Hishalisson as a one-top card in the opening match of the English Premier League against Burnley. Hishalisson showed sharp movements with lighter body movements, and in the match against Burnley, he scored multiple goals only with a volley to erase Son Heung-min's vacancy. It was Kudus' cross that helped Hishalisson's two goals. It is difficult to say that it is simply an accidental combination play. From the moment he took over at Tottenham, Frank seems to have planned 'Captain Romero, Qudus-Hishalisson attack combination'.
Coach Frank expressed the nuance of wanting Son Heung-min to leave the team. Given Son's status, it may be sincere. However, even if he remained on the current atmosphere theory team, it is highly likely that he only played a supporting role. Like best friend Ben Davies. That would not be desirable for Son Heung-min, who wants to advance to the 2026 North Korea-China World Cup finals a year later, and Son Heung-min made the best decision for a 33-year-old player to make.
Tottenham left behind the disappointment of finishing second in the Super Cup and cut the first tape well with a 3-0 victory over Burnley. It raised expectations that it could resolve the disappointment of last season, which finished 17th. Son Heung-min shook the U.S. stage by scoring his first offensive point in the match against New England (2-0 win), his second appearance in the U.S. Major League Soccer (MLS). After breaking up with the familiar Tottenham, they are receiving new energy while also influencing 'Walkle' in a league with endless potential. Until now, both Tottenham and Son Heung-min are doing well without the pain of separation. Breaking up doesn't necessarily seem to be a bad thing.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
