Heung-Min Son’s Spurs Future in Doubt with Thomas Frank Keeping Cards Close

Son Heung-min’s glittering 10-year journey at Tottenham Hotspur might be approaching its final chapter. With a new era beginning under manager Thomas Frank, the future of the South Korean star is anything but certain.

Frank, speaking at his official unveiling ahead of Spurs’ pre-season friendly at Reading, admitted he hasn’t decided whether Son will remain club captain. That small but significant detail has only added fuel to growing speculation around Son’s long-term status at the club. “Good question,” Frank said when asked about Son keeping the armband. “I haven’t decided anything on that. I have a long list of bullet points I need to get through and I take them in the right order.” 

Son, who turns 33 next week, led Tottenham to their long-awaited Europa League triumph last season — the club’s first major trophy since 2008. It was a moment of redemption and validation for a player who’s given so much to the club. But despite his heroics, time and football wait for no one. However, Frank confirmed that Son will captain the team for one half of the Reading game, while Cristian Romero — one of last season’s vice-captains — will wear the armband in the other half. It’s a telling move that hints at a possible transition in leadership. 

Son’s Starting Spot in Jeopardy 

Romero, who has drawn interest from Atlético Madrid, seems more likely to stay at Spurs than depart, largely due to the Spanish club’s inability to meet Tottenham’s valuation. That situation may reduce the need to keep Son solely for leadership continuity. And it’s not just about leadership. Son’s on-field role is under more scrutiny than ever. Spurs’ permanent signing of Mathys Tel and the arrival of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham have reshaped the attacking options. With Bryan Gil and Richarlison expected to move on, Frank still has a crowded group of eight wide forwards to choose from. Son’s guaranteed minutes could be in jeopardy. 

Son has 12 months left on his contract after the club triggered an extension through 2026. However, there’s been no indication that fresh talks are happening, and the idea of letting him walk away for free next summer surely won’t sit well with chairman Daniel Levy. 

When asked whether Son should be allowed to decide his own future after all he’s done for Spurs, Frank was cautious. “It’s always tricky, situations like that … if that happens,” he said. “Right now I have a player that is fully committed and training well and will play tomorrow. If a player has been at a club a long time, then there will always be a decision for the club to take." 

Behind the scenes, there’s increasing chatter about Son potentially moving on. According to journalist Dan Kilpatrick on The Athletic’s View from the Lane podcast, Son is “more likely to leave than Romero and probably any other really senior player in the squad.” Even so, Son still has a valuable role to play — maybe not as the week-in, week-out talisman of old, but as a mentor and big-moment player. There’s no denying his quality, even if used more sparingly. Whether his Spurs story has another twist or concludes this summer, one thing’s certain — it won’t be an easy goodbye.