Son Heung-min leaves Tottenham and begins new era at Los Angeles FC in record MLS transfer

Son Heung-min, Tottenham’s icon and South Korea’s captain, finalized his transfer to Los Angeles FC (LAFC) in a record-breaking $26 million deal, marking the largest transaction in Major League Soccer (MLS) history. Announced on Wednesday (6), the move ends a decade-long stint in the Premier League, where he became one of Asia’s greatest players. The transfer comes months after Son led the Spurs to the Europa League title, ending a 17-year trophy drought. His contract with LAFC, valid until 2027 with options to extend to 2029, was sealed after intense negotiations, with fans mobbing Los Angeles International Airport to welcome him. The transfer reflects LAFC’s ambition to become a global force, pairing Son with former Tottenham teammate Hugo Lloris.

The decision to leave was announced by Son during an emotional press conference in Seoul on Saturday (2), during Tottenham’s pre-season in South Korea. His departure from the Spurs, where he scored 173 goals in 454 games, was marked by a guard of honor in a friendly against Newcastle. The move to LAFC, though not his first choice, was finalized after talks with LAFC co-president John Thorrington, who sold him on the vision of transforming the club into an international brand.

• Motivation for the move: Son seeks new challenges post-Europa League win.
• Immediate impact: Fans packed Los Angeles airport to greet him.
• Community connection: Los Angeles hosts the largest Korean population outside Asia.
• Key addition: Son joins Hugo Lloris and Denis Bouanga in LAFC’s squad.

A new chapter in Los Angeles

Son Heung-min’s arrival at LAFC is a milestone for the MLS, which has increasingly attracted global stars seeking fresh challenges. The 33-year-old, known for his speed, ambidexterity, and playmaking, signed as a designated player, filling an international roster spot. The $26 million transfer (about 142 million reais) surpassed the MLS record set by Emmanuel Latte Lath’s $22 million move to Atlanta United. Son is expected to bring technical prowess and significant commercial appeal, especially to Los Angeles’ 320,000-strong Korean community.

He was officially introduced at a press conference at BMO Stadium, expressing excitement about the new challenge. He highlighted Los Angeles’ cultural diversity and LAFC’s title ambitions. His presence during LAFC’s 2-1 Leagues Cup win over Tigres, shown on stadium screens, sparked massive fan excitement. The club, currently sixth in the Western Conference with 10 wins, 6 draws, and 6 losses, sees Son as a key to bolstering its playoff push.

Son Heung-Min is Black & Gold.

Son Heung-Min signs for #LAFC from Tottenham Hotspur on a permanent transfer through 2027 with options through June 2029.

— LAFC (@LAFC) August 6, 2025

Legacy at Tottenham

Son Heung-min leaves Tottenham as one of its greatest modern icons. Signed in 2015 from Bayer Leverkusen for £22 million, he became the club’s fifth-highest scorer with 173 goals across all competitions. In the Premier League, he netted 127 goals and provided 77 assists in 333 matches, forming a lethal partnership with Harry Kane, combining for a record 47 goals.

• Impressive stats: 173 goals and 101 assists in 454 Tottenham games.
• Historic achievement: Captained Spurs to the 2025 Europa League title.
• Legendary duo: Set Premier League record with Kane for goal combinations.
• Global recognition: First Asian to win the Premier League Golden Boot in 2021-22.

His final Tottenham season, though less prolific with seven Premier League goals, still saw 22 direct goal involvements across all competitions. His move was driven by a desire for regular minutes ahead of the 2026 World Cup, where he’ll captain South Korea.

Impact on MLS and the Korean community

Son’s move to LAFC reinforces the trend of European stars joining the MLS. Unlike many who join late in their careers, Son, at 33, arrives in peak physical condition. His presence is a game-changer for LAFC, which aims for titles and global visibility. Los Angeles, with its large Korean community, is the perfect stage for Son to expand his influence. Fans greeted him with South Korean flags and banners at the airport. Comparisons to Shohei Ohtani, the Japanese baseball star with the Los Angeles Dodgers, are rife, with LAFC banking on Son for commercial partnerships and community engagement.

• Engaged community: 320,000 Koreans live in the Los Angeles metro area.
• Commercial appeal: Son is an ambassador for brands like Adidas and Calvin Klein.
• World Cup preparation: MLS move primes Son for the 2026 World Cup.
• Strategic signing: Replaces Olivier Giroud, boosting the attack with Bouanga.

Reactions and expectations

Son’s transfer sparked widespread reactions. Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy called him “one of the greatest to wear the white shirt,” praising his humanity and inspiration. Manager Thomas Frank acknowledged the tough decision but lauded Son’s legacy as a top Premier League striker. Spurs fans expressed gratitude online, while LAFC supporters celebrated the arrival of a world-class talent.

In the MLS, analysts see the signing as elevating the league’s status, which has invested in stars to compete with markets like Saudi Arabia. Son joins other big names like Thomas Müller at Vancouver Whitecaps and Rodrigo De Paul at Inter Miami, signaling a new era. He’s expected to debut soon, possibly in August, given his fitness from Tottenham’s pre-season.

• Fan reactions: Spurs fans mourn but wish him well; LAFC fans thrilled.
• MLS elevation: Signing boosts the league’s global appeal.
• Awaited debut: Son is fit and could play soon for LAFC.

A new horizon for Son

Son arrives at LAFC with the mission to lead the club to titles, starting with the Leagues Cup and MLS playoffs. His experience in three World Cups, four Asian Cups, and the Europa League win makes him a cornerstone of LAFC’s project. Reuniting with Hugo Lloris promises to recreate their Tottenham chemistry, while Son’s speed and versatility complement Denis Bouanga’s style.

The move also positions Son for the 2026 World Cup, where he’ll lead South Korea in the U.S.-hosted tournament. Playing in the MLS allows him to adapt to the environment and maintain competitive rhythm. His journey, from learning German with “SpongeBob” to global icon, now enters a new chapter in Los Angeles.

• World Cup prep: Son aims to stay sharp for South Korea in 2026.
• Lloris chemistry: Reunion strengthens LAFC’s spine.
• Global influence: Son boosts MLS visibility in Asia and beyond.
• Legacy building: Aims to win trophies and inspire young athletes.