News Summary
Son Heung-min has officially transferred from Tottenham Hotspur to Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) for a reported fee of $25 million. The move marks the end of his successful decade-long career at Tottenham, where he became a club legend. Son’s arrival in MLS is viewed as a transformative moment for the league as it continues to attract high-profile talent. His experience and skill are expected to bolster LAFC’s roster as they aim for a strong playoff run while he prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the South Korean national team.
Seoul, South Korea – Son Heung-min, the renowned South Korean footballer, has officially transferred from Tottenham Hotspur to Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC). This move not only concludes a remarkable decade-long tenure at Tottenham, where Son cemented his place as a club legend, but it also potentially reshapes the landscape of Major League Soccer (MLS) as a whole.
The reported transfer fee for Son is approximately $25 million, which may establish a new all-time record in MLS. His move comes as a significant milestone for both the Premier League, where he became a standout player, and MLS, which continues to attract world-class talent.
As part of the announcement, Son held an emotional farewell press conference in Seoul. His last competitive appearance for Spurs occurred in a preseason friendly against Newcastle in his home city, where he left the pitch after receiving a standing ovation in the 64th minute. During his farewell address, he reflected on his time in London, emphasizing the personal growth he experienced during his tenure at Tottenham.
Over ten years, Son made 454 appearances for Tottenham, in which he scored 173 goals, ranking him fifth in the club’s history. His contributions to the team included winning the Europa League title, marking Tottenham’s first significant trophy since 2008. Notably, he was instrumental in high-stakes matches, particularly in the North London derbies and the crucial 2019 UEFA Champions League Final.
LAFC is looking to bolster its roster after the departure of star player Olivier Giroud, and Son’s arrival is viewed as a crucial signing to help fill the offensive gap. This acquisition comes at a critical time for LAFC as they aim for a deep playoff run, currently positioned in the competitive Western Conference standings. By bringing in a player of Son’s caliber, LAFC hopes to enhance its chances of success in the upcoming season.
Moreover, Son serves as the captain of the South Korean national team and is the all-time leading scorer among active players for his nation. His impending participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is a major focus as he transitions to MLS, with the goal of preparation for the tournament while contributing to his new club.
Son is widely regarded as one of the finest Asian football players in history and has achieved significant recognition, reflected in his high jersey sales. The timing of this transfer coincides with a larger trend in MLS, which has seen a growing influx of European stars opting to join the league nearing the ends of their careers, following in the footsteps of legends such as David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
In recent rankings, Son was placed second in Forbes’ 2024 Power 40 Celebrities Korea, behind the global sensation K-pop group Blackpink. While many may perceive this transfer as a farewell tour, it could also signify a strategic pivot in Son’s career as he embraces new challenges and opportunities within the MLS.
This transfer not only highlights Son’s extraordinary journey but also marks a pivotal moment for LAFC and the continuing evolution of Major League Soccer, positioning the league as an appealing destination for top international talent.
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