Son Heung-min joins LAFC from Tottenham Hotspur in a record £20m MLS transfer, excited to begin a new chapter in his career despite initial hesitations.
Son Heung-min has made the switch from Tottenham Hotspur to Los Angeles FC in a groundbreaking Major League Soccer (MLS) transfer. The South Korean international, who captained Spurs for several seasons, leaves the Premier League after 10 years in north London.
LAFC reportedly paid a fee exceeding £20 million for the 33-year-old, making it the highest transfer fee ever paid in MLS for a player. The deal also includes a two-year contract with an option for an additional two years. This surpasses the previous MLS record of £16.5 million set by Atlanta United for Emmanuel Latte Lath in February.
Despite LAFC not being his first choice, Son explained that a conversation with LAFC co-president John Thorrington helped him change his mind. Son stated, “It was not my first choice, but the first call I had with John changed my heart, my brain. He showed me the destination where I should be.” The forward, now excited for this new chapter, added, “I’m here to help write the next chapter in LA’s rich history of champions. I’ve come to lift trophies for this club, city, and fans.”
Son, known for his electrifying pace and clinical finishing, joins an LAFC team that is currently sixth in the Western Conference. He will also reunite with former Spurs teammate Hugo Lloris, who is currently at LAFC.
Having scored 173 goals in 454 appearances for Spurs, Son departs after leading Tottenham to their first major trophy in 17 years—an Europa League triumph over Manchester United in May. His departure marks the end of a memorable era for Spurs, and the club’s chairman, Daniel Levy, praised Son as “one of the greatest players to ever wear the famous Lilywhite shirt.”
With his departure, Spurs fans will undoubtedly miss their captain’s charisma, leadership, and contributions on the field. Son leaves a legacy at Tottenham but is now embarking on a new adventure in the MLS.
