The possible exit of Son Heung-min from Tottenham Hotspur after a 10-year spell could be delayed by the club’s coming tour of his home country, South Korea.
Son has a year left on his current deal at Spurs, yet he is heavily linked with a move away from London, with clubs in the Saudi Pro League eyeing the 32-year-old attacking midfielder.
However, Spurs have scheduled two pre-season friendly matches coming up in a few weeks against Arsenal on July 31 in Hong Kong, followed by a game against Newcastle United in South Korea’s capital city, Seoul, three days later.
According to BBC Sport, It is highly likely Spurs have reached agreements for the player, idolised in Korea, to appear in those matches – especially against Newcastle – just as it remains to be seen if he will be part of new manager Thomas Frank’s plans.
The former Brentford boss has already seen Mathys Tel make his loan move from Bayern Munich permanent, just as it is reported Spurs are looking to seal a deal for Bryan Mbeumo, who was previously bound for Manchester United.
Son’s appearances in games were limited last season by injury, and despite being one of the club’s most iconic players, he may find himself down the pecking order by the start of next season as Spurs look to bounce back from a dismal domestic season glossed by the Europa League title.
That said, Spurs are still expected to want Son to remain at the club and only let him go if an offer above his valuation comes in.