Son Heung-min joins Kevin De Bruyne and Mo Salah as the next potential big-money move to Saudi Arabia after this Premier League season.
The South Korean star rejected an overseas bid from the Middle East last summer. But a revived interest from the Saudi Pro League could spark Son’s interest.
“Probably if I wanted to go there (Saudi Arabia) I would be out there, not here,” Son told reporters last July during pre-season.
“I love playing football. Obviously money is also important, but I dream of playing in the Premier League and still a lot of things to do.
“Especially last season I suffered physically. This is not the Sonny that I know. So I want to prove that this season that I’m the Sonny that we all know. I want to prove that to myself and I want to give back to the club where I belong.
“Saudi, obviously most people are going at the moment which is really, really interesting. But the Premier League is still a dream for me to play (in) and I’m looking forward to this season.”
Son’s former striker partner Harry Kane dashed Bayern Munich at the beginning of this season. But like Kane, Sonny still has plenty to offer.
31-year-old Son is following up on another dashing season for Spurs with 12 strikes and six assists in 23 competitions so far this season. He won the Premier League Golden Boot during the 2021-22 season, tying Mo Salah for 23 goals.
After a roaring start for the Saudi Pro League that saw top European players, including Karim Benzema and Neymar, follow in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo, the league has taken a step back.
Other than the top clubs, stadium attendance could be better. Europeans are also struggling with life living in the Middle East.
England international Jordan Henderson returned to Europe, suiting up for Ajax, while an unhappy Benzema drew transfer links during the winter window.
Most footballers still want to compete with the best in Europe despite the lure of making 10 times their existing salaries. Will Sonny bite?
Photo: Instagram/hm_son7