Tottenham Hotspur Make Bold Attempt To Drop Son Heung-min From Squad in January Because Of His……….

1. Son Heung-min’s Declining Form

One of the primary reasons for Tottenham’s bold attempt to drop Son from the squad is his inconsistent form over the past year. While Son has enjoyed several standout seasons at Spurs, including being one of the Premier League’s top scorers in recent campaigns, his performance in the 2023-24 season has been a source of concern for manager Ange Postecoglou and the club’s hierarchy.

After finishing the 2022-23 season as the club’s top scorer alongside Harry Kane, Son entered the new campaign with high expectations. However, his form has dipped, with fewer goals and assists than what fans have come to expect from him. Several pundits have noted that Son’s once-dangerous finishing ability has become somewhat erratic, and his involvement in the build-up play has waned. This decline in form has led to questions about whether Son is still capable of performing at the level required to compete for major honors with the club.

Postecoglou, known for his focus on high-intensity pressing and fluid attacking play, has built a squad that demands sharpness and consistency. Unfortunately, Son’s recent performances have left many wondering whether he can adapt to the demands of the new tactical setup. Despite his exceptional skill set, his inability to sustain top-level performances has raised doubts about whether he can continue to be an automatic starter for Spurs.

2. Age and Fitness Concerns

Son Heung-min, born in 1992, is now 32 years old and has been playing at the highest level for over a decade. While age is just a number for some players, for others, it can be a crucial factor in assessing long-term viability. Tottenham’s management appears to be considering Son’s age in their decision-making process. As players age, their physical attributes such as speed, agility, and stamina can start to decline, and Son is no exception.

While Son has generally maintained good fitness throughout his career, there have been signs that his explosiveness is starting to diminish. Injuries, especially to his hamstring, have kept him sidelined in recent seasons, and the frequent international duties with the South Korean national team have only added to his workload. This has raised concerns within the Tottenham camp regarding his longevity at the top level, and whether he can continue to contribute as significantly as he once did.

Spurs are reportedly keen on refreshing their squad with younger, more dynamic players, and Son’s age could be seen as a limiting factor. With several promising attacking talents emerging from the club’s academy and potential transfer targets in the market, the club might feel that it’s time to move forward with a more youthful attacking unit.

3. The Harry Kane Departure and the Need for a New Identity

Another key factor influencing Tottenham’s decision to drop Son is the departure of Harry Kane in the summer of 2023. Kane’s move to Bayern Munich marked the end of an era at Tottenham, and Spurs have been in the process of redefining their identity without their talismanic striker. Son, who had often played in Kane’s shadow, was expected to step up as the leader of the attack.

However, with the tactical changes introduced by Ange Postecoglou, Son has struggled to find the same level of success that he had enjoyed alongside Kane. Postecoglou’s high-pressing system, combined with his preference for a more fluid and versatile attacking structure, means that players are asked to do more than simply score goals. They must press from the front, contribute to defensive transitions, and maintain positional discipline.

While Son has the technical ability to fit into Postecoglou’s system, his struggle to adapt to these tactical shifts may have contributed to the club’s decision to reconsider his role. Spurs are potentially looking for a player who can seamlessly complement the new identity of the team and offer more than just goal-scoring, and this has led to speculation about Son’s future at the club.

4. The Arrival of New Talent and Increased Competition for Spots

The arrival of new signings, combined with the continued development of emerging talents within the squad, means that competition for places in the starting XI at Tottenham is fiercer than ever. Players such as Richarlison, Dejan Kulusevski, and the promising youth talent coming through Spurs’ academy have all increased the pressure on Son to maintain his starting role.

Richarlison, in particular, has been brought in as a direct replacement for Harry Kane and has had a relatively successful start to his time at the club. His physicality, versatility, and work ethic have made him a key component of Postecoglou’s attacking plans. With the Brazilian forward performing well, it’s clear that Spurs have options in attack, and this increases the likelihood that Son could be dropped or even moved on if the club decides to pursue further reinforcements.

Additionally, Kulusevski’s technical skills and creativity, coupled with his ability to play on either wing, have further complicated Son’s position in the starting lineup. As Spurs continue to build a more balanced and multifaceted attacking unit, Son may find himself increasingly squeezed out of the squad.

5. Financial Considerations and the January Transfer Window

Tottenham Hotspur is a club that operates with a keen eye on financial sustainability, and the upcoming January transfer window presents an opportunity for the club to make adjustments. Dropping Son or moving him on could free up significant wages and allow Spurs to invest in other areas of the squad.

A potential sale of Son Heung-min could bring in a substantial transfer fee, and with the club reportedly eyeing reinforcements in defense and midfield, the funds generated from a Son sale might be used to strengthen other positions. Moreover, Son’s high-profile status and continued popularity, especially in Asia, could generate significant commercial revenue, making his sale a potentially lucrative move for the club in financial terms.

6. The Reaction of the Fans and Son’s Legacy

Dropping a player of Son Heung-min’s stature from the squad would undoubtedly be a controversial decision. Son has been a fan favorite since joining Tottenham in 2015, and his contributions to the club’s success in recent years are undeniable. His pace, finishing, and loyalty to the club have endeared him to supporters, and he has become a symbol of the team’s ethos.

However, the reaction from fans will depend on how Spurs justify their decision. If the club feels that Son’s decline in form is irreversible, or that he no longer fits the tactical setup under Postecoglou, they may argue that it’s in the best interest of the team. On the other hand, many fans might see this as a premature decision and argue that Son still has much to offer.

Should Spurs decide to part ways with Son, it would undoubtedly be the end of an era, but it could also open the door for a new chapter in the club’s history. Son will always be remembered as one of the greatest players to ever wear a Spurs shirt, and his legacy at the club will be secure, no matter what the future holds.

Conclusion

Tottenham Hotspur’s decision to drop Son Heung-min from the squad in January is driven by a combination of factors: his recent dip in form, concerns over his age and fitness, the need to redefine the team’s identity post-Kane, increased competition in the squad, and financial considerations. While the club’s potential move will be seen by some as harsh, it’s clear that Spurs are thinking about the long-term future of the team and looking to build a more dynamic and balanced squad. Whether or not Son’s time at Tottenham is coming to an end remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: his impact on the club will be remembered for years to come.