The presence of Son Heung-min (32, Tottenham) was huge.
"The presence of Son Heung-min has changed Tottenham Hotspur's plans for the summer transfer market," British website Spurs Web, which focuses on Tottenham news, quoted British journalist Dean Jones as saying on Tuesday.
In his first season at Tottenham, Son made his league debut against Sunderland in the fifth round of the 2015-2016 Premier League season, scoring eight goals and providing five assists in 40 appearances that season.
After a period of adjustment, Heung-min gradually increased his playing time and offensive output. Heung-min formed the "DESK" line, forming the best combination with Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen, and Dele Alli.
Son has emerged as the team's main man, forming a key attacking combination with Kane. In the 2021-2022 season, he scored 23 goals in the league to become the Premier League's top scorer and the first Asian player to do so.
He signed a new contract with the club in July 2021. His contract runs through June 2025 with an option for a one-year extension. Son took over as captain of the team after Kane's departure in the 2023-2024 season and has been a steady and trusted leader for the team.
Son was named captain of the South Korean national team under interim head coach Hwang Sun-hong and scored goals against Thailand on Nov. 21 and 26, including an assist to Lee Kang-in in the second game, 안전놀이터 and enjoyed a post-game celebration with his former teammate, who has been feuding with him.
Now back with his club, Son will be looking to get back on the scoresheet against Luton Town on March 31 at 0:00 am.
"Dean Jones has claimed that Tottenham will prioritize the signing of a flanker over a central striker in the summer transfer window," said Spurs Web on the 30th. That's because of the presence of Son Heung-min."
Son is classified as a winger with sharp two-footed kicks from the left and right flanks, but since Harry Kane's departure to Bayern Munich, he has also made his presence felt in the center of the park. His goal-scoring prowess has made him a terror for opposing defenses. Jones argues that there is no need to sign another striker as Son can play up front.
"Heung-min has been incredible in the center forward position. His ability to get in behind defenders and find space in the box has made him a real threat," he said. "He has also maintained his good form and proved that he can be a threat when fully fit," he added, noting that Tottenham's frontline is already saturated.
"Spurs are expected to target a new winger in the summer," Jones said. "I think Son will play higher up the pitch and in the center next season. He's been very effective for Tottenham this season, so I think Tottenham will look for a winger instead of a traditional number nine."
Meanwhile, Spurs Web says: "Tottenham could look to sign a young striker to back up Heung-Min Son and Heung-Song. Most of Tottenham's transfer budget will be spent on a No. 6 midfielder and a skillful winger."