Son Heung-Min transfers to LAFC: A historic move for MLS and South Korean soccer
TOI World Desk | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Aug 06, 2025, 23:21 IST
( Image credit : AP )
Highlight of the story: Son Heung-min, the South Korean football star, has joined Los Angeles FC. He is leaving Tottenham Hotspur after ten years. The deal was finalized recently. LAFC paid a significant transfer fee. Son's arrival is a major event for the club and MLS. He will reunite with Hugo Lloris. Son aims to play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
South Korean soccer star Son Heung-min has signed with Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles FC, ending a 10-year career at Tottenham Hotspur and marking one of the most significant player acquisitions in MLS history.
LAFC finalized the deal Tuesday, just days after Son, 33, publicly confirmed his departure from the Premier League club. The veteran forward was in attendance at LAFC’s Leagues Cup match against Tigres at BMO Stadium, where fans greeted him with cheers after he was shown on the stadium’s video board. A formal introduction is scheduled for Wednesday.
Although contract details were not disclosed, multiple reports, including from ESPN and The Athletic, state LAFC paid over $20 million in transfer fees—potentially a record sum for the league.
Son scored 173 goals in 454 matches for Tottenham, becoming a global fan favorite for his speed, technical ability, and goal-scoring consistency. His final match in a Spurs uniform came in an exhibition against Newcastle in Seoul last week, where he received a guard of honor and an emotional send-off in front of nearly 65,000 fans.
"Son is a player of rare quality and global appeal," LAFC general manager John Thorrington said in a club statement. “He brings leadership, experience, and world-class skill to our roster as we continue to pursue championships and connect with our community.”
Son’s move is particularly resonant in Los Angeles, home to the largest Korean diaspora outside Korea. LAFC's BMO Stadium is just a few miles from the city's Koreatown, and the club is expected to leverage Son’s popularity in its outreach and marketing efforts.
The transfer echoes the impact of Shohei Ohtani’s presence with MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers. Like Ohtani, Son is among the most recognizable Asian athletes in the world and is expected to attract international attention and sponsorship opportunities.
Son will join a competitive LAFC side currently sitting sixth in the MLS Western Conference standings, with games in hand due to its participation in the Club World Cup. His arrival boosts the team’s prospects for a postseason push and potentially another MLS Cup title following their 2022 championship.
Though he scored a career-low seven Premier League goals last season, Son remains a dynamic attacker and is younger than many recent high-profile MLS signees. By comparison, Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami at 35, and former LAFC striker Olivier Giroud left the club at 37 after one unproductive season.
Son will also reunite with former Tottenham teammate and LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who has been a standout since his arrival last year.
Positionally, Son’s versatility will allow him to slot into multiple attacking roles. While he and current designated player Denis Bouanga both prefer the left wing, Son has frequently excelled as a central or right-sided forward, offering tactical flexibility to LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo.
Cherundolo is expected to leave the club this winter to take a position in Germany, possibly influencing how Son is deployed moving forward.
In addition to his club ambitions, Son remains focused on international success. The captain of South Korea’s national team has confirmed his intention to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place across North America.
With this signing, LAFC not only adds a proven performer but also a cultural icon whose presence could redefine the league's visibility and global reach.
LAFC finalized the deal Tuesday, just days after Son, 33, publicly confirmed his departure from the Premier League club. The veteran forward was in attendance at LAFC’s Leagues Cup match against Tigres at BMO Stadium, where fans greeted him with cheers after he was shown on the stadium’s video board. A formal introduction is scheduled for Wednesday.
Although contract details were not disclosed, multiple reports, including from ESPN and The Athletic, state LAFC paid over $20 million in transfer fees—potentially a record sum for the league.
Son scored 173 goals in 454 matches for Tottenham, becoming a global fan favorite for his speed, technical ability, and goal-scoring consistency. His final match in a Spurs uniform came in an exhibition against Newcastle in Seoul last week, where he received a guard of honor and an emotional send-off in front of nearly 65,000 fans.
"Son is a player of rare quality and global appeal," LAFC general manager John Thorrington said in a club statement. “He brings leadership, experience, and world-class skill to our roster as we continue to pursue championships and connect with our community.”
Son’s move is particularly resonant in Los Angeles, home to the largest Korean diaspora outside Korea. LAFC's BMO Stadium is just a few miles from the city's Koreatown, and the club is expected to leverage Son’s popularity in its outreach and marketing efforts.
The transfer echoes the impact of Shohei Ohtani’s presence with MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers. Like Ohtani, Son is among the most recognizable Asian athletes in the world and is expected to attract international attention and sponsorship opportunities.
Son will join a competitive LAFC side currently sitting sixth in the MLS Western Conference standings, with games in hand due to its participation in the Club World Cup. His arrival boosts the team’s prospects for a postseason push and potentially another MLS Cup title following their 2022 championship.
Though he scored a career-low seven Premier League goals last season, Son remains a dynamic attacker and is younger than many recent high-profile MLS signees. By comparison, Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami at 35, and former LAFC striker Olivier Giroud left the club at 37 after one unproductive season.
Son will also reunite with former Tottenham teammate and LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who has been a standout since his arrival last year.
Positionally, Son’s versatility will allow him to slot into multiple attacking roles. While he and current designated player Denis Bouanga both prefer the left wing, Son has frequently excelled as a central or right-sided forward, offering tactical flexibility to LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo.
Cherundolo is expected to leave the club this winter to take a position in Germany, possibly influencing how Son is deployed moving forward.
In addition to his club ambitions, Son remains focused on international success. The captain of South Korea’s national team has confirmed his intention to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place across North America.
With this signing, LAFC not only adds a proven performer but also a cultural icon whose presence could redefine the league's visibility and global reach.