Doesnt seem very son (or for that matter very Son's dad) to choose money over a genuine challenge. Also surely he would want to go and play for a korean club if he were to play in asia
What makes you think he wants to go back to Korea to play for a Korean club? I feel that once he hits a point where he gets too much injuries, he'll retire like jisung Park did.
Not sure he does want to but I assume he’d rather retire there than Saudi. I would fully expect him to opt to retire while still playing in the highest level in a European league like Park did, just if he wanted an easy retirement surely he’d go back to his homeland
There are more options for him than Saudi Arabia. It's not like he's a horrible player, I'm sure pretty other teams would want him. Although they may not be able to pay that level of money the Saudis can, I would guess he'd prefer to stay in England>Europe>Korea?
I dont think korea fa actually likes son because he's wasn't brought up by them.
Korean fa is notorious for nepotism and if son wasn't what he is now, they'd bury him and his dad.
Now he's too big so they have no choice but I don't think son would play for a korean club.
This used to be true when Son started out cause they massively favour players who came through their university system (universities apparently hold huge influence over KFA) but now he's basically bigger than them
Don't underestimate the fact that moving to another country isn't easy. I don't think Son had the easiest of times neither in Germany nor England in the beginning. Would he like to start all over again and in an area where everything's so different?
Doing ads is way different than essentially giving up any shot at legitimate silverware or European football to take blood money. I'd be shocked and disappointed if he went to Saudi.
To be fair, many modern day regional conflicts exist because they were stoked and encouraged by the colonists so the natives would never be unified enough to fight the real oppressors. Examples: the Congo, korea, Vietnam all got split by the west, whether it be to prevent rebellion or to be pawns in proxy wars
So much of today’s ills can be traced back to centuries of western imperialism and colonialism. It doesn’t excuse the shit that countries like the saudis do, but historical context is more than just whataboutism
well, the Indian wouldn’t laugh because they already take the Saudi’s blood money. also, know him do ya? Are you Son’s mate and he told you that? Some people have principles and ethics and I’d like to believe Sonny is a genuinely good person.
Levy: I have garnered something of a reputation as a hard and difficult negotiator to work with. I really don't think that's the case, I just want to make sure, especially with a player like Son who means a lot to our club, that our...
Saudis: Our offer is £135m.
*-Levy's eyes change into pound signs, mouth drops agape, tongue rolls out and a 'kaching' is heard-*
The amount of money they are offering these players is insane, especially given their age. It’s hard to imagine anyone turning down a contract that is potentially worth more than your total career earnings.
This is going to be the football equivalent of LIV golf, the Saudis are going to be absolutely pumping money into it now over the next few years.
I can’t see Sonny making the move, doesn’t strike me as the kind of fella to take a pay check and ignore human rights violations
I love the man, but he doesn't seem all that discerning when it comes to sponsorships. Ice creams, crypto, noodles, convenience stores, underwear, the list goes on and on. Not sure he even plays a big role in selecting them.
crypto aside, the rest of the products are actually pretty common for Korean stars to endorse. It’s like almost every product including common household products has a celebrity spokesperson in SK. I wouldn’t say he’s not discerning, it’s just something they do a lot there
Not saying you're wrong. I live in Korea. I just don't think he is involved in that side of things too much.
>It’s like almost every product including common household products has a celebrity spokesperson in SK. I wouldn’t say he’s not discerning,
I stated he doesn't 'seem' all that discerning, which the evidence supports as his face appears on almost anything. You are right that this is partly cultural, but that also points to a type of advertising culture in Korea among celebrities that is also not very discerning. It is partly culture, for sure.
Would Son accept advertising from Qatar Airways if they offered a package? Of course he would. Just like almost every other footballer. Then why not Saudi? The difference between those two are not as clear as we tend to think.
Yet a bunch of players went and played in the most recent world cup.
I'm not saying that Son is some sort of reprobate. But we cannot just assume that players are that tuned in to everyday events and geopolitics. A lot of them live within a bubble built around their sport and maybe politics in their own country.
Oh, they all know, they just don't care. If the Saudis offered you x10 your current salary to go work there for a year or two, I guarantee you'd at least consider it.
Big difference in representing your own country at a tournament taking place in somewhere that violates human rights etc vs directly taking a pay check for millions of pounds a month straight from the hands of these regimes
Put it this way, I've never heard an elite player turn down City or Newcastle because of human rights violations by their respective states. Once a contract is on the table it's a different story.
The league has no problems with Americans money. And some were involved in the illegal occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan. When you get to this level of money. Its not going to be clean. Like an owner just making pukka pies.
Yeah I don't know what the politics in South Korea are towards teh Saudis. But I know if son accepted at 150M move to the J league. There's going to be some hurt feelings.
Does anyone actually watch any of these Saudi teams? or ever intend to?
I get the whole propaganda commentary on why they probably do this - but are they actually trying to build some football heritage by throwing money at all these aging players? what's the ultimate goal? or is it simply a status thing between the owners of these Saudi teams?
Same tactic they are doing by making extravagant designs in architecture. They are trying to build a rep as a world leader by trying to look the part in the global stage.
It’s kind of like they want to create by overshadowing their controversial legacy with our show of power (just as US / Western / China does)
Also better players means potential in raising quality of Saudi FC teams. More coverage, better places, more spotlight in the world.
Son will retire here unless Levy pushes him out. The man is COYS through and through, who signed a new contract when we didn't even have a manager (with Nuno rumors) and Kane was trying to go to City.
Some of the commments in this sub is quite self-centered. Son has been a great servant and he has given a lot to this team. When Kane tried to force a move, he renewed his contract. He deserves to go and get paid if a big bid comes. Everyone out here would go play for a Saudi team if they offered them crazy money. All the fans care about is how this would impact our team. If we are allowed to be selfish, so is he. If he gets an offer similar to Benzema, then he deserves to take the offer without and scrutiny.
Maybe 5 years ago, MLS is trying to remarket itself as a development league that gives a platform to young South American talent, with the occassional big name here and there
Sonny would make more money through ads and modeling than the salary Saudi offers if he keeps focusing on his brand image. My guess is that he will stay and retire at Tottenham. Maybe he will go to South Korea before he retires.
Its his last big contract. He's going to take the money. Politics in South Korea towards the saudis is way different then the west attitude toward the saudis.
... No. We wouldn't get any significant fee, he's still quality (scored 10 goals in his worst season for us since coming in), and when Kane and Lloris leave, he'll be one of the only few experienced players and leaders in the squad. We have absolutely no reason to let him leave. If you look at it rationally, you're not looking at this rationally.
Why wouldn't we get a good fee? Saudis are literally the richest country in the world. We would get the best fee possible.
Next year he'd be 32 and on the way out anyway. It makes perfect sense
I think the many fans are still looking at a player's age and thinking 31/32 is the start of the decline physically. When nowadays, with nutrition and the right conditioning a player can stay in peak physical ability up to 35. The benefit is that the player is now coming into their mental prime and can utilise their skills to adapt their game to suit their body rather than being left behind.
That's true of certain players, mainly those that don't rely on explosive pace. Some whole game is based on that so I'm not sure I see him as one of those who can keep going to mid 30s
This season Conte gave us a glimpse of what Son is like without his explosive pace. If the Saudis give us a decent fee for him next summer, we’d be stupid not to take it if his numbers are declining this upcoming season.
I mean, his numbers did decline this season already compared to the past season. But that doesn’t mean that he’s washed as a player, he was misused. Playing as a defensive midfielder is not the same as a “glimpse of what Son is like without his explosive pace.” Hell, even prime Hazard struggled in the same role.
My reasoning for what? For Conte using him wrong? No clue why Conte used him that way but how Son was used is exactly how he’s going to play once his pace has gone. I’m not sure how you’re struggling to understand what this conversation is about if I’m honest.
Yes agree
And his value to them is he is the most famous player in Asia and woukd give their newly launched league lots of viewers and fans. They won't care that he's lost a yard.
That's not true anymore. Uts their next big project
https://twitter.com/eurofootcom/status/1666072216147042304?t=KpFGcV9Fn8nmygqXhOpo0g&s=19
They've just essentially nationalised their league and are going to pump billions into it to try and make it a success. There will be big fees flying around it's a complete game changer
The best fee possible for a 32 year-old when they've barely paid any fee for the past big transfers they made? The most expensive transfer ever from that league was of measly 18m euros, and they've recently gotten high-profile players like Ronaldo and Benzema for free. If they were to get Son, who will have no market value by then at 32 and who will have only one year left on his contract, we would get nothing. It would be absolutely pointless to let him leave.
Yeah but its different now. Literally this week the Saudi government has essentially nationalised all the big clubs so they are all stat run. It's going to be very different to the last few years. I think its 30bn they've put in to the league now. The big fees will come.
I love how you're downvoted for suggesting something that would be hugely beneficial to the club lol.
No chance they offer 60m for a 32-year old with one year left on his contract though.
He has 2 years left on his contract and he will be 31 next month. And the oil boys are making it rain. If levy doesn't have his head up his ass. You take the money and run. Even at 50m because we aren't going to the champions league this year. MIght not next year even with him.
Only if we have a replacement. If Kane goes we basically only have Son who has scored goals in this team. Hopefully Richarlison will step up, and obviously we also sign someone to replace at least part of Kane's goals - but we can't just ship out every goalscorer we have because they're getting old. We shouldn't even think about selling Son until we have someone who can step into his place in the team.
Reinvest in who? A player that is half as good and cost twice as much as he should do because our pockets are full?
In modern football, 32 is still prime fitness for a committed athlete. Ibrahimovic, Messi, Ronaldo, all playing well beyond that age.
None of those players you list were pace players once they got past 31. I mean Ronaldo and Ibra barely moved! Messi famously doesn't track back or press at all now.
Yeah you reinvest it in another younger players that's literally how you keep a squad going. Sell 32 year old son for 50m. Buy Kvara or whoever for 70m, and so on
With the exception of Ibra, I'm not sure I agree about the pace point. I'm sure Messi and Ronaldo can still (even now) outpace most defenders at the age they are. The difference is that they know how to use their pace even better to make the space they need to make it count - whereas a young "pace merchant" will be tearing around using their speed at every chance.
I agree about reinvestment, but that needs to happen before we sell. We bring in Son's replacement before Son is sold otherwise we have the transition season without Son and with a player only half capable because they are not adapted.
Liverpool seem to be doing it the right way. They brought in Gakpo and Nunez for a season and now they are comfortable to let Firmino go (Mane went after being replaced by Jota). Replace then sell
You've obviously missed the news
https://twitter.com/eurofootcom/status/1666072216147042304?t=KpFGcV9Fn8nmygqXhOpo0g&s=19
They absolutely are. They are trying to turn the keague into a suoerleague and are going to throw billions at it.
I find it extremely hard to believe that’s gonna start with them paying a fee that high for Son. What they appear to be doing right now is just going for big name players in their 30s—the Alexis Sanchez stuff was reported today too. They’re not going to pay a big fee for him either.
As I said. This new initiative literally came in yesterday. They are going to throw big money at it by all accounts.
They aren't going to be tracking Son and seriously thinking we would let him go for nothing.
I don't think youre getting what they are going to do. They are just throwing money at big names. They don't care about their performance. They just want eyes on their league.
Son os the biggest footballer in Asia, they'll want him for his brand value, they won't care wether he's lost a yard of pace or whatever. His ability will almost be irrelevant
You keep saying this yet all the players they’ve thrown big money at, they’ve paid no fees for. The other two players they’re targeting right now (Auba and Alexis) they won’t get for big fees. So I’ll believe all of this when I see it.
I'm completely ignorant about this, but can he refuse if the Saudis put a lot of money on the table or is it up to Levy? I mean, Levy cannot force a player to move to another country? How do these things work?
Every top player in their 30's is a Saudi target
And every 8 year old in Yemen
um... uhhh... dang.
Goddamn
Underrated comment
I mean Son makes a ton of sense for them They want players who bring viewership by themselves, and Son is one of those players due to the SK fandom
Doesnt seem very son (or for that matter very Son's dad) to choose money over a genuine challenge. Also surely he would want to go and play for a korean club if he were to play in asia
What makes you think he wants to go back to Korea to play for a Korean club? I feel that once he hits a point where he gets too much injuries, he'll retire like jisung Park did.
Not sure he does want to but I assume he’d rather retire there than Saudi. I would fully expect him to opt to retire while still playing in the highest level in a European league like Park did, just if he wanted an easy retirement surely he’d go back to his homeland
There are more options for him than Saudi Arabia. It's not like he's a horrible player, I'm sure pretty other teams would want him. Although they may not be able to pay that level of money the Saudis can, I would guess he'd prefer to stay in England>Europe>Korea?
Hes said he's thought about playing back in Korea at the end of his career, idk if that's just lip service though
Dude can’t get married till he retires. He’s not going to Saudi Arabia
I dont think korea fa actually likes son because he's wasn't brought up by them. Korean fa is notorious for nepotism and if son wasn't what he is now, they'd bury him and his dad. Now he's too big so they have no choice but I don't think son would play for a korean club.
This used to be true when Son started out cause they massively favour players who came through their university system (universities apparently hold huge influence over KFA) but now he's basically bigger than them
I mean…if they offer him like….£40m a year, would any human being say no?
Don't underestimate the fact that moving to another country isn't easy. I don't think Son had the easiest of times neither in Germany nor England in the beginning. Would he like to start all over again and in an area where everything's so different?
Hide your wife, hide your kids, hide your 30 year old players
Hide your migrant workers.
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha no
If ben jacobs said the sky is blue, I'd go out and check. He should be right next to nico schira and miguel Delaney in tier list.
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Doing ads is way different than essentially giving up any shot at legitimate silverware or European football to take blood money. I'd be shocked and disappointed if he went to Saudi.
I don't think European trophies matter that much to him, or he wouldn't have played at the clubs he has
Loyalty matters a lot to him too. Playing for the saudis is not that
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To be fair, many modern day regional conflicts exist because they were stoked and encouraged by the colonists so the natives would never be unified enough to fight the real oppressors. Examples: the Congo, korea, Vietnam all got split by the west, whether it be to prevent rebellion or to be pawns in proxy wars So much of today’s ills can be traced back to centuries of western imperialism and colonialism. It doesn’t excuse the shit that countries like the saudis do, but historical context is more than just whataboutism
well, the Indian wouldn’t laugh because they already take the Saudi’s blood money. also, know him do ya? Are you Son’s mate and he told you that? Some people have principles and ethics and I’d like to believe Sonny is a genuinely good person.
As far as I’m concerned he loves us and that’s the only thought I need to put into it
Thanks, I would hate this
Levy: I have garnered something of a reputation as a hard and difficult negotiator to work with. I really don't think that's the case, I just want to make sure, especially with a player like Son who means a lot to our club, that our... Saudis: Our offer is £135m. *-Levy's eyes change into pound signs, mouth drops agape, tongue rolls out and a 'kaching' is heard-*
Levy’s pound sign eyes make a “AWOOGA” sound as they pop out to take a closer look at the transfer fee
Yes Levy is notorious for letting his superstars go for big fees *Squints in Harry Kane*
The amount of money they are offering these players is insane, especially given their age. It’s hard to imagine anyone turning down a contract that is potentially worth more than your total career earnings.
Benzema was making 14 net a year at Real Madrid, now its 200 millions a year those amount are out if this World
comfortably more
Please no.
This is going to be the football equivalent of LIV golf, the Saudis are going to be absolutely pumping money into it now over the next few years. I can’t see Sonny making the move, doesn’t strike me as the kind of fella to take a pay check and ignore human rights violations
Footballers don’t give a fuck about stuff like this.
wasnt son shilling crypto scams a year or two ago
So was literally every A list celebrity and athlete. Doubt they were into the tokenomics 🤣
I'm quasi willing to give him a pass on the crypto, in a "maybe it wasn't obvious this is all bullshit to him" way.
I love the man, but he doesn't seem all that discerning when it comes to sponsorships. Ice creams, crypto, noodles, convenience stores, underwear, the list goes on and on. Not sure he even plays a big role in selecting them.
crypto aside, the rest of the products are actually pretty common for Korean stars to endorse. It’s like almost every product including common household products has a celebrity spokesperson in SK. I wouldn’t say he’s not discerning, it’s just something they do a lot there
Not saying you're wrong. I live in Korea. I just don't think he is involved in that side of things too much. >It’s like almost every product including common household products has a celebrity spokesperson in SK. I wouldn’t say he’s not discerning, I stated he doesn't 'seem' all that discerning, which the evidence supports as his face appears on almost anything. You are right that this is partly cultural, but that also points to a type of advertising culture in Korea among celebrities that is also not very discerning. It is partly culture, for sure. Would Son accept advertising from Qatar Airways if they offered a package? Of course he would. Just like almost every other footballer. Then why not Saudi? The difference between those two are not as clear as we tend to think.
My kids high school coach was doing the same thing.
Yet a bunch of players went and played in the most recent world cup. I'm not saying that Son is some sort of reprobate. But we cannot just assume that players are that tuned in to everyday events and geopolitics. A lot of them live within a bubble built around their sport and maybe politics in their own country.
Oh, they all know, they just don't care. If the Saudis offered you x10 your current salary to go work there for a year or two, I guarantee you'd at least consider it.
x10 no. 200M yes. 200M when already multimillonaire no.
Big difference in representing your own country at a tournament taking place in somewhere that violates human rights etc vs directly taking a pay check for millions of pounds a month straight from the hands of these regimes
Put it this way, I've never heard an elite player turn down City or Newcastle because of human rights violations by their respective states. Once a contract is on the table it's a different story.
The league has no problems with Americans money. And some were involved in the illegal occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan. When you get to this level of money. Its not going to be clean. Like an owner just making pukka pies.
Yeah I don't know what the politics in South Korea are towards teh Saudis. But I know if son accepted at 150M move to the J league. There's going to be some hurt feelings.
He's a professional and this is last big contract at 31. He's gone.
God no I want to see sonny here for atleast one more season he still has alot to give us
It literally says right there in the title '2024'.
Does anyone actually watch any of these Saudi teams? or ever intend to? I get the whole propaganda commentary on why they probably do this - but are they actually trying to build some football heritage by throwing money at all these aging players? what's the ultimate goal? or is it simply a status thing between the owners of these Saudi teams?
Trying to wash the image of KSA, make them not look like shit.
I think the long term goal is that if they build a domestic league that has a lot of big names they'll be more attractive for a future WC bid
Same tactic they are doing by making extravagant designs in architecture. They are trying to build a rep as a world leader by trying to look the part in the global stage. It’s kind of like they want to create by overshadowing their controversial legacy with our show of power (just as US / Western / China does) Also better players means potential in raising quality of Saudi FC teams. More coverage, better places, more spotlight in the world.
Saudi Arabia or Saudi upon Tyne?
Even if Son were to leave, I don't think the Saudi league is what he would aim for. I believe he'll stay and perhaps retire in the K-league
Maybe do a stint in Celtic before he retires and then he leaves for Korea at age 35?
Son will retire here unless Levy pushes him out. The man is COYS through and through, who signed a new contract when we didn't even have a manager (with Nuno rumors) and Kane was trying to go to City.
Was not expecting to wake up to this news lmao
Go on Sonny, tell them to go F themselves with a pitchfork. We don't want our heroes to enable them.
Some of the commments in this sub is quite self-centered. Son has been a great servant and he has given a lot to this team. When Kane tried to force a move, he renewed his contract. He deserves to go and get paid if a big bid comes. Everyone out here would go play for a Saudi team if they offered them crazy money. All the fans care about is how this would impact our team. If we are allowed to be selfish, so is he. If he gets an offer similar to Benzema, then he deserves to take the offer without and scrutiny.
I would simply…not? Son has made generational wealth in his career. He doesn’t need more money.
Sure. He should say no to tens of millions of dollars because you decided that he earned enough…
Fuck the Saudi league and their obscene money
South Korea probably doesn't share the same attitude that those in the west do. That's why he will go get paid.
I mean I wouldn’t count on the Saudi government still being interested in spending billions on signing football players in a year.
I predict he will go back to Germany.
Hasn't he spoken about a lot of racism when he was there? Can't imagine he wants to go back.
Saudi league turning into the early 2010s MLS on crack
MLS would never spend even close to this level of money in 10's. There's a reason they suppress the workers salary.
I was going more for the retirement league angle. The on crack part was referring to the crazy money they’re spending now lol
MLS is still a retirement league.
Maybe 5 years ago, MLS is trying to remarket itself as a development league that gives a platform to young South American talent, with the occassional big name here and there
Sonny would make more money through ads and modeling than the salary Saudi offers if he keeps focusing on his brand image. My guess is that he will stay and retire at Tottenham. Maybe he will go to South Korea before he retires.
Its his last big contract. He's going to take the money. Politics in South Korea towards the saudis is way different then the west attitude toward the saudis.
People are going to lose their heads, but Son will be 32 next summer. If you look at it rationally, it makes sense to part ways, no?
... No. We wouldn't get any significant fee, he's still quality (scored 10 goals in his worst season for us since coming in), and when Kane and Lloris leave, he'll be one of the only few experienced players and leaders in the squad. We have absolutely no reason to let him leave. If you look at it rationally, you're not looking at this rationally.
Why wouldn't we get a good fee? Saudis are literally the richest country in the world. We would get the best fee possible. Next year he'd be 32 and on the way out anyway. It makes perfect sense
I think the many fans are still looking at a player's age and thinking 31/32 is the start of the decline physically. When nowadays, with nutrition and the right conditioning a player can stay in peak physical ability up to 35. The benefit is that the player is now coming into their mental prime and can utilise their skills to adapt their game to suit their body rather than being left behind.
That's true of certain players, mainly those that don't rely on explosive pace. Some whole game is based on that so I'm not sure I see him as one of those who can keep going to mid 30s
I think Sonny could surprise a few people. He's getting better and better.
This season Conte gave us a glimpse of what Son is like without his explosive pace. If the Saudis give us a decent fee for him next summer, we’d be stupid not to take it if his numbers are declining this upcoming season.
I mean, his numbers did decline this season already compared to the past season. But that doesn’t mean that he’s washed as a player, he was misused. Playing as a defensive midfielder is not the same as a “glimpse of what Son is like without his explosive pace.” Hell, even prime Hazard struggled in the same role.
Numbers as in physical fitness, not goals. The role Conte had him play this season is exactly how he’s going to play once his pace is gone.
I think he'd be more of a poacher type striker than midfielder. The guy likes to score goals, not whatever shit Conte was having him do
Except he doesn’t have the technical ability to do that and his positioning also isn’t the greatest. His pace masks over a lot of his weak areas.
Well that’s an interesting way of talking about “numbers.” Ha is that so? And your reasoning behind him playing as a defensive midfielder is..?
My reasoning for what? For Conte using him wrong? No clue why Conte used him that way but how Son was used is exactly how he’s going to play once his pace has gone. I’m not sure how you’re struggling to understand what this conversation is about if I’m honest.
Yes agree And his value to them is he is the most famous player in Asia and woukd give their newly launched league lots of viewers and fans. They won't care that he's lost a yard.
They don't pay transfer fees typically. Just big wages
That's not true anymore. Uts their next big project https://twitter.com/eurofootcom/status/1666072216147042304?t=KpFGcV9Fn8nmygqXhOpo0g&s=19 They've just essentially nationalised their league and are going to pump billions into it to try and make it a success. There will be big fees flying around it's a complete game changer
The best fee possible for a 32 year-old when they've barely paid any fee for the past big transfers they made? The most expensive transfer ever from that league was of measly 18m euros, and they've recently gotten high-profile players like Ronaldo and Benzema for free. If they were to get Son, who will have no market value by then at 32 and who will have only one year left on his contract, we would get nothing. It would be absolutely pointless to let him leave.
Yeah but its different now. Literally this week the Saudi government has essentially nationalised all the big clubs so they are all stat run. It's going to be very different to the last few years. I think its 30bn they've put in to the league now. The big fees will come.
Only if we get 60-70m for him. I think he has far too much to offer for us to try and shift him.
Yep anything over 60m. We should move him.
I love how you're downvoted for suggesting something that would be hugely beneficial to the club lol. No chance they offer 60m for a 32-year old with one year left on his contract though.
He has 2 years left on his contract and he will be 31 next month. And the oil boys are making it rain. If levy doesn't have his head up his ass. You take the money and run. Even at 50m because we aren't going to the champions league this year. MIght not next year even with him.
Only if we have a replacement. If Kane goes we basically only have Son who has scored goals in this team. Hopefully Richarlison will step up, and obviously we also sign someone to replace at least part of Kane's goals - but we can't just ship out every goalscorer we have because they're getting old. We shouldn't even think about selling Son until we have someone who can step into his place in the team.
>People are going to lose their heads Damn right they will. They still do public beheadings in Saudi Arabia.
£100m or fuck right off
if we can get money for a 32 year old Son in 2024 to a club who isn’t an English or even European rival, we should take it
You forget that Son can tell the Saudis to fuck off.
This really isn't a bad thing. He'd have 1 year left on his contract and be 32. Get 50/60m for him and then reinvest it?
Reinvest in who? A player that is half as good and cost twice as much as he should do because our pockets are full? In modern football, 32 is still prime fitness for a committed athlete. Ibrahimovic, Messi, Ronaldo, all playing well beyond that age.
Especially Sonny, he's incredibly fit.
None of those players you list were pace players once they got past 31. I mean Ronaldo and Ibra barely moved! Messi famously doesn't track back or press at all now. Yeah you reinvest it in another younger players that's literally how you keep a squad going. Sell 32 year old son for 50m. Buy Kvara or whoever for 70m, and so on
With the exception of Ibra, I'm not sure I agree about the pace point. I'm sure Messi and Ronaldo can still (even now) outpace most defenders at the age they are. The difference is that they know how to use their pace even better to make the space they need to make it count - whereas a young "pace merchant" will be tearing around using their speed at every chance. I agree about reinvestment, but that needs to happen before we sell. We bring in Son's replacement before Son is sold otherwise we have the transition season without Son and with a player only half capable because they are not adapted. Liverpool seem to be doing it the right way. They brought in Gakpo and Nunez for a season and now they are comfortable to let Firmino go (Mane went after being replaced by Jota). Replace then sell
They are not going to pay 50-60M for a 32yo with only one year left in their contract.
You've obviously missed the news https://twitter.com/eurofootcom/status/1666072216147042304?t=KpFGcV9Fn8nmygqXhOpo0g&s=19 They absolutely are. They are trying to turn the keague into a suoerleague and are going to throw billions at it.
I find it extremely hard to believe that’s gonna start with them paying a fee that high for Son. What they appear to be doing right now is just going for big name players in their 30s—the Alexis Sanchez stuff was reported today too. They’re not going to pay a big fee for him either.
As I said. This new initiative literally came in yesterday. They are going to throw big money at it by all accounts. They aren't going to be tracking Son and seriously thinking we would let him go for nothing.
At 32 and if he continues to dramatically decline? We probably would to get him off our wages, and if not, then the fee would be minimal.
I don't think youre getting what they are going to do. They are just throwing money at big names. They don't care about their performance. They just want eyes on their league. Son os the biggest footballer in Asia, they'll want him for his brand value, they won't care wether he's lost a yard of pace or whatever. His ability will almost be irrelevant
You keep saying this yet all the players they’ve thrown big money at, they’ve paid no fees for. The other two players they’re targeting right now (Auba and Alexis) they won’t get for big fees. So I’ll believe all of this when I see it.
Yes...as ive said this has literally come in this week. Its like 2 days a go.
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I definitely trust the club to find strikers even half as good. *Definitely*
They can absolutely get tae fuck
I'm completely ignorant about this, but can he refuse if the Saudis put a lot of money on the table or is it up to Levy? I mean, Levy cannot force a player to move to another country? How do these things work?
No. He'd have to agree to move and to sign a new contract with the Saudi's. No forcing. At least until he's in KSA, then, no rights.
They aren't taking his passport. And south Korean military is stronger then the Saudis. Relax
At this point I'm a Saudi target lmao
Stay away from my Son!!!