Son Heung-min to Join LAFC in Record-Breaking Move

South Korean superstar Son Heung-min is set to begin a new chapter in Major League Soccer, with Los Angeles FC finalizing a record-breaking deal to acquire the 33-year-old forward from Tottenham Hotspur. Multiple reports, including GiveMeSport and ESPN, confirmed the transfer fee at around USD 26 million, surpassing the MLS record of USD 22 million paid by Atlanta United for Emmanuel Latte Lath last offseason.

The move ends Son’s decade-long tenure at Tottenham, where he became one of the club’s most beloved figures. Announcing his decision to leave over the weekend, Son said he felt it was the right time to move on. “I had achieved everything that I could with Tottenham and I am interested in a new challenge,” he explained.

His farewell came in front of home fans in Seoul, where Spurs faced Newcastle United in a friendly. The moment was emotional, with Son receiving a standing ovation and a guard of honour. “I have a huge respect and am very grateful to my old club,” he said after the match, acknowledging his bond with the North London side.

Son leaves Tottenham with an extraordinary record: 172 goals and 94 assists in 451 appearances across all competitions, including 127 Premier League goals. As captain, he guided Spurs to the 2025 Europa League title, securing the first major trophy of his career. Before arriving in England, he honed his craft in Germany with Hamburger SV and Bayer Leverkusen.

On the international stage, Son has been equally impactful, scoring 51 goals in 134 appearances for South Korea. He stands as the nation’s second all-time leading scorer and has represented his country in three consecutive World Cups.

Now, Son brings his talent and star power to Los Angeles FC, a club already boasting a strong track record in MLS. LAFC also completed the signing of defender Ryan Porteous from Watford on Monday, strengthening both ends of the pitch as they push for another playoff berth. With a 10-6-6 record and 36 points, LAFC currently sits sixth in the Western Conference.

Son’s arrival not only provides a massive boost to LAFC’s playoff hopes but also signals another milestone for Major League Soccer in attracting world-class talent. For Son, it is the start of an American adventure, one that promises to add a new dimension to his decorated career.