Official Announcement
LAFC has officially signed Tottenham Hotspur legend Heung-Min Son. Tottenham announced on Wednesday that Son would be moving to the Major League Soccer team. As he was entering the final year of his contract and was not included in new manager Thomas Frank’s starting plans, Son confirmed his desire to leave the club on Saturday. “Before we start the press conference, I wanted to announce my decision to leave the Club this summer,” Son stated. “This was the hardest choice I’ve faced in my career, filled with incredible memories.”
With Son’s contract running through 2026, LAFC worked hard to persuade the talented winger to make the move to the United States, ultimately agreeing to a $26 million (€22 million) deal with Tottenham. This transfer makes Son the most expensive player in MLS history, surpassing the previous record held by Emmanuel Latte Lath of Atlanta United. Additionally, it marks one of the highest fees ever paid for a player aged 33 or older. Son will secure a guaranteed starting position, which is crucial as he prepares for the 2026 World Cup set to take place in North America next summer. Although securing Son was deemed a challenging task and LAFC faced competition from other clubs, his announcement on Saturday has positioned them as the frontrunners to acquire the Tottenham star.
With a market value of €20 million, Son now ranks as the second most valuable player in MLS, alongside LA Galaxy’s Riqui Puig. Inter Miami CF has also announced the signing of Rodrigo De Paul from Atlético Madrid, who holds a market value of €25 million, making him the league’s most valuable player. The simultaneous arrival of these high-profile players could signify the start of a significant transfer movement within MLS. Furthermore, Son’s transfer is not an isolated event in the league, as the Vancouver Whitecaps have welcomed Thomas Müller from Bayern Munich. Although Müller was rumored to be heading to LAFC thanks to German media reports, the club prioritized their efforts on Son from the outset.
Heung-Min Son to LAFC – A New Chapter for MLS?
As one of the most significant signings in league history, Son’s move will create a substantial impact within the market, especially given his vast following in Korea and throughout Southeast Asia. The Athletic highlights that Los Angeles is home to around 320,000 ethnic Koreans, enhancing the transfer’s importance. Son, renowned as a star in the Premier League, boasts an impressive record of 127 goals and 77 assists across 333 Premier League appearances. Additionally, having recently won the Europa League with Tottenham, Son may be even more motivated to embrace this new chapter in his career.
What will Son bring to LAFC on the field? Despite being 33, he adds remarkable speed to the team. Club sources have indicated that the focus is on enhancing the team’s pace, a consideration that influenced their decision not to pursue German playmaker Müller, who officially signed with the Vancouver Whitecaps earlier today. LAFC is keen on becoming faster and more dynamic, and sources have emphasized that there are no concerns regarding Son’s ability to fulfill this vision.
