Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-min has acknowledged that he had the opportunity to move to the Saudi Pro League earlier this summer.
The 31-year-old endured one of his worst campaigns in a Spurs shirt during 2022-23, chipping in with just 10 goals and six assists from 36 outings in the Premier League.
Although the numbers were respectable in their own right, his lack of consistency led to suggestions that Spurs may take the chance to cash in on the South Korea international should an offer materialise.
At the start of the Saudi Pro League's aggressive approach towards attempting to acquire new talent, it was alleged that Son was on their wishlist.
Son would have been provided with a move to Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad, managed by former Spurs head coach Nuno Espirito Santo.
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However, rumours regarding a switch disappeared as quickly as they had emerged, with Son moving to commit his immediate future to the Premier League outfit.
Spurs are now under the management of a different head coach in Ange Postecoglou, who favours an attack-minded style and could implement a strategy to act as a catalyst to a better season from the versatile forward.
At a press conference, Son has confirmed that he will represent Spurs next season, admitting that he could have been in the Middle East with Al-Ittihad had he wanted to leave this summer.
Speaking to reporters, Son said: "If I wanted to go there, I would not be here! I love playing football. Obviously money is also important but I dream for playing Premier League."
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Son has becoming a legendary figure at Spurs since his arrival in 2015, contributing a total of 145 goals and 80 assists from his 372 appearances in all competitions.
As many as 103 strikes and 58 assists have been provided in the Premier League, a tally that Son will wish to substantially add to during 2023-24 when Spurs do not have European football on their calendar.
Chairman Daniel Levy may theoretically look to hold contract discussions with Son in the near future, with the player now having just two years left on his existing terms.
However, Levy's current focus is attempting to keep Harry Kane at the club, with their all-time leading goalscorer attracting strong interest from Bayern Munich.
Darren Plant
