Jose Mourinho is trying to sweet-talk his way into another transfer swoop, and his prime target this summer is Spurs captain Son Heung-min.
The Fenerbahce boss remains in the job after a season at the helm in Istanbul, with the once self-proclaimed "special one" failing to usurp Galatasaray at the Super Lig's summit in year one.
Gala, who are losing Victor Osimhen, have already made their big move by signing Leroy Sane to a lucrative three-year contract, and Mourinho is attempting to fight fire with fire by acquiring a former ally in Son.
The all-time great coach spent a turbulent 18 months in north London which infamously concluded just days before the 2021 Carabao Cup final. His relationship with Son was strong throughout his tenure and that strength reportedly remains in tact to this day. Mourinho said it was a "special feeling" to watch the Korean icon hold the Europa League trophy aloft in May, and now he wants the 32-year-old to do some silverware lifting under his watch at Fenerbahce.
Jose Mourinho meets Son Heung-min but Fenerbahce likely to be priced out
Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, all things considered, is one of the Turkish journalists you can trust when it comes to transfer news. In a recent post, Sabuncuoğlu revealed the Mourinho had met with Son to likely discuss a potential move to Istanbul.
However, he later said that Spurs' valuation—a reported €30m with Son having just a year left on his contract—means a deal with Fenerbahce is unlikely.
After almost a decade of service, Son has established himself as a contemporary Spurs icon and has earned the right to go out how and when he pleases. The club are open to allowing the forward, who's undeniably shown signs of physical decline over the past 18 months, to depart this summer, but the BBC report that any potential move won't occur until after the club's pre-season tour of the Far East.
Spurs are playing matches in Hong Kong and Son's homeland this summer, and the captain has already agreed to participating in a host of activities. From a commercial perspective, Son's presence on the tour is imperative, so a decision over his future is likely to be delayed until August.
The club are ushering in a new dawn with Thomas Frank at the helm, and although the Korean superstar would've thrived under the Dane at his peak—as he did with every manager who touched down in north London post-Mauricio Pochettino—we've only enjoyed fleeting sequences of the skipper at his ruthless best in recent times.
A parting of ways off the back of that night in Bilbao seems ideal, but seeing Son leave for the riches of Saudi Arabia would leave somewhat of a bitter taste—even if he deserved the pay day.
With Mathys Tel joining permanently and more additions in attack expected this summer, the club are well-placed to move on from an icon.