LOS ANGELES, CA. – Just a week after the Vancouver Whitecaps announced their signing of Thomas Muller, another famous name from Europe has found its way over across the pond to the United States, this time in Los Angeles.
LAFC announced Wednesday the blockbuster signing of South Korean superstar Son Heung-Min, who departs Tottenham Hotspur after a decade to begin a new chapter in Major League Soccer.
Sources confirmed to ESPN that the transfer fee is approximately $26 million, setting a new MLS record. The previous high was Atlanta United’s $22 million acquisition of Emmanuel Latte Lath earlier this year. Son’s contract with Tottenham was originally set to run through 2026, but he has now signed with LAFC as a Designated Player through 2027, with club options that could extend his stay through 2029.
“I’m incredibly proud to be joining LAFC, a club with big ambitions in one of the most iconic sports cities in the world,” Son said in the club’s official statement. “Los Angeles has such a rich history of champions, and I am here to help write the next chapter. I’ve come to win trophies and give everything I have to this club, this city, and its fans. I cannot wait to get started.”
The 33-year-old made his final appearance in a Spurs shirt this past weekend in a friendly against Newcastle United in his native South Korea—just a day after publicly announcing the end of his 10-year tenure in North London. During that time, he amassed 173 goals and 101 assists across 454 appearances in all competitions, cementing himself as one of the club’s modern legends.
Son was part of one of the Premier League’s most prolific attacking duos alongside Harry Kane. The two hold the record for the most combined goal contributions by a pair in league history. Son’s final competitive match for Tottenham was a fitting farewell: a victory over Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League Final this past May, delivering Spurs their first trophy in 17 years.
LAFC currently sits sixth in the MLS Western Conference with 36 points and 12 games left to play. The Black and Gold have at least two games in hand on the clubs above them and are eyeing a playoff push. Their upcoming league fixtures include road tests at Chicago Fire, New England Revolution, and FC Dallas. Son’s debut could come at home against San Diego FC on Aug. 31 if the club opts for a high-profile showcase at BMO Stadium.
Widely regarded as the greatest Asian footballer of all time, Son has earned 134 caps and scored 51 goals for South Korea. He’s represented his nation in three World Cups (2014, 2018, 2022) and four AFC Asian Cups. In 2018, he captained South Korea to an Asian Games gold medal.
Although LAFC wasn’t initially Son’s top destination, the former Tottenham captain was ultimately swayed by LAFC co-president and general manager John Thorrington. He now joins a star-studded list of global names to don the Black and Gold, following in the footsteps of Carlos Vela, Gareth Bale, and Olivier Giroud.
A native of Chuncheon, South Korea, Son launched his professional career with Hamburg SV before breaking out with Bayer Leverkusen. He joined Tottenham in 2015 and went on to win club Player of the Year honors twice, earn a spot in the PFA Team of the Year, and lead Spurs to the 2019 UEFA Champions League Final. His breathtaking solo goal against Burnley in December 2019 earned him the FIFA Puskás Award.
As he transitions to Los Angeles, Son brings a legacy of excellence and leadership to an LAFC team looking to return to the top of MLS.
