Tottenham Hotspur has confirmed that club legend Son Heung-Min will join Major League Soccer (MLS) side LAFC in a record-breaking transfer valued at approximately $26 million. This deal surpasses the previous MLS record of $22 million, which was set by Atlanta United FC for the acquisition of forward Emmanuel Latte Lath last winter. Son’s contract with Tottenham was set to run until the summer of 2026.
In a poignant farewell, Son played his final match for Tottenham in a friendly against Newcastle in his home country of South Korea on March 10, 2024. This appearance followed his announcement to conclude a decade-long association with the Premier League club. Over his ten years in north London, Son established himself as one of the league’s most prolific forwards, netting 173 goals and providing 101 assists across 454 appearances in all competitions.
Son’s time at Tottenham was highlighted by a formidable partnership with the club’s all-time leading scorer, Harry Kane. Together, they set the record for the most goal combinations between two players in Premier League history. Following Kane’s departure to Bayern Munich in 2023, Son assumed the role of team leader and was appointed captain by former head coach Angé Postecoglou after the exit of goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who is also headed to LAFC.
Son’s last competitive match for Spurs came in a significant victory, as the team triumphed over Manchester United in the Europa League final held in Bilbao, Spain, in May 2024. As he transitions to LAFC, he will reunite with Lloris, further strengthening the team’s roster.
Currently, LAFC sits in sixth place in the MLS’s Western Conference. The Black and Gold have the advantage of at least two games in hand compared to the teams occupying higher positions in the standings. This acquisition is expected to bolster LAFC’s quest for a strong finish in the season.
As Son embarks on this new chapter in his career, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how his experience and skill will impact the MLS landscape. Information from ESPN’s Jeff Carlisle and Lizzy Becherano contributed to this report.
