Transfer Centre

Al-Ittihad ready to make big-money bid for Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-min?

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 20 June 2023

Al-Ittihad ready to make big-money bid for Son Heung-min?

Al-Ittihad are reportedly prepared to break the Saudi Arabian transfer record to secure a deal for Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-min.

Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-min has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for Al-Ittihad.

In recent days, it has become apparent that a wide array of star names could be on the move to the Saudi Pro League, following the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.

Widespread reports indicate that Al-Hilal are prepared to break to the Saudi Arabian transfer record to pay £47m for Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves.

Chelsea also appear to have found homes for a number of their squad members, with Todd Boehly having met with Saudi representatives to discuss offloading the likes of Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, Hakim Ziyech and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, while N'Golo Kante is already on the move to Al-Ittihad.

Further such transfers are expected in due course, and it appears that Kante and Benzema could be joined at the league champions by another global star.

Al Ittihad coach Nuno Espirito Santo on January 26, 2023 © Reuters

According to ESPN, Al-Ittihad, managed by Nuno Espirito Santo, are ready to make a sustained approach for Son over the coming weeks.

The report claims that there is a willingness to set a fresh new transfer mark after the proposed Neves deal with a bid of €60m (£51.3m) expected to be made.

Son has allegedly been provided with the opportunity to sign a contract worth €30m (£25.7m) per season on a deal until 2027.

Spurs are reportedly against cashing in on the South Korea international, who only has two years remaining on his existing terms at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy is pictured before the match on March 18, 2023 © Reuters

Nevertheless, at a time when Daniel Levy is against recouping in excess of £80m for Harry Kane this summer and instead willing to risk losing the club's most prized asset on a free transfer, the scenario with Son has scope for change.

There is said to be a feeling at Al-Ittihad that Son may be tempted to move to the Middle East, bringing an end to an eight-year spell in North London in the process.

During that time, the 30-year-old has contributed 145 goals and 80 assists from 372 appearances in all competitions, 16 of which came in a below-par campaign in the Premier League during 2022-23.

However, Spurs have just appointed Ange Postecoglou as their new head coach and there is the hope that the former Celtic boss can get the best out of Son with his attack-minded philosophy.