South Korean star Son Heung-min is reportedly preparing to call time on his remarkable 10-year spell at Tottenham Hotspur, with Turkish giants Fenerbahçe emerging as his next potential destination, and a reunion with former boss José Mourinho may be on the cards.
Farewell to the Premier League
According to The Telegraph, Son has decided to leave Spurs this summer. The 32-year-old forward, who joined the club from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015, is reportedly open to joining Fenerbahçe, now managed by Mourinho. Tottenham are said to be valuing the deal at €30 million, the same amount they paid for him a decade ago.
During his time at Tottenham, Son made 454 appearances across all competitions, netting 173 goals and providing 101 assists. In 2023, he made history as the first Asian player to captain a team in the Premier League. Just last season, he helped Spurs lift the UEFA Europa League title, their first trophy in 17 years.
However, Son’s influence has waned in recent campaigns. He was used only as a substitute in the Europa League final, and his tally of 11 goals across all competitions placed him fourth among Spurs’ top scorers last season.
Now entering the final stages of his career, Son is believed to be exploring new markets both competitively and commercially. His representatives are reportedly working closely with Mourinho and Fenerbahçe to finalise a move.
Fenerbahçe need offensive reinforcements. Star striker and captain Edin Džeko (21 goals, 8 assists) and veteran winger Dušan Tadić (13 goals, 18 assists) are both nearing contract expiry, with Džeko reportedly attracting interest from Serie A side Fiorentina. Mourinho, who briefly coached Son at Spurs between 2019 and 2021, is said to be eager to bring the Korean international to Istanbul to boost the team’s title ambitions next season.
Man United Go All-In for Raphinha
Meanwhile, in a separate blockbuster move, Manchester United are reportedly ready to spend big on Barcelona winger Raphinha. Spanish media sources claim the Red Devils have submitted a jaw-dropping bid of £127 million (approx. RM731 million) for the Brazilian, who racked up 34 goals and 25 assists in all competitions last season.
The offer is believed to have caught both Barça and the player by surprise. With financial pressure mounting at Camp Nou, the club may be forced to accept.
United’s Striker Hunt Hits Roadblocks
United’s search for additional attacking reinforcements has hit several snags. Their recent pursuits of Liam Delap, Viktor Gyökeres, and Bryan Mbeumo reportedly fell through. The club is also considering offloading fringe forwards, with Jadon Sancho and Rasmus Højlund among those potentially on their way out.
Sancho has attracted interest from Serie A, while Højlund, who initially rose to fame at Atalanta, may return to Italy via Inter Milan. However, United are pushing for a permanent transfer valued at £38 million (approx. RM218 million), while Inter prefer a loan-to-buy deal.
Napoli Join the Transfer Frenzy
Elsewhere in Italy, Napoli is making significant moves to revamp their squad. The Serie A champions are targeting six attackers, including Liverpool’s Darwin Núñez, Bologna duo Dan Ndoye and Joshua Zirkzee, Sevilla’s Juanlu, and Club Brugge’s Antonio Nusa.
In a bold statement of intent, Napoli have already secured the services of Belgium star Kevin De Bruyne on a free transfer, extended manager Antonio Conte’s contract, and added 20-year-old defender Marianoochi to their roster.
