Son Heung-min, one of the Premier League’s most admired and accomplished forwards, is on the brink of completing a sensational transfer to Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC in a deal potentially worth around £20 million. The South Korean icon announced over the weekend that he would leave Tottenham Hotspur after 10 unforgettable years at the club.
Now 33, Son appears poised to bring the curtain down on a glittering European career, with his move to LAFC potentially eclipsing the MLS record fee of £22.5 million paid by Atlanta United for Emmanuel Latte Lath earlier this year. While final paperwork and a medical are still pending, sources close to both clubs have confirmed the deal is effectively agreed.
Son made his final appearance in Spurs colours on Sunday during a pre-season friendly against Newcastle United in Seoul, South Korea — a fitting farewell in front of his home crowd. The game ended 1-1, but the highlight came in the 65th minute, when Son was substituted to a guard of honour from both Tottenham and Newcastle players. Tears flowed as fans chanted his name and teammates embraced him on the touchline.
Following the game, Son addressed the media with poise and emotion.
“It’s time for a new chapter,” he said. “Tottenham will always be my home, but I have a chance to experience something different and help grow the game in another part of the world.”
His move to the United States marks a significant moment for MLS, which continues its rapid growth by attracting big-name players in the twilight of their careers. While LAFC have built a strong reputation for developing and signing international talent, the acquisition of Son — a global superstar and icon in Asia — signals a step up in ambition.
Son joined Tottenham from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015 and quickly became a fan favourite at White Hart Lane, then later at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Renowned for his dazzling footwork, relentless work rate, and humble personality, Son recorded 173 goals in 454 appearances for the club.
His leadership was rewarded last season when he captained the team to a long-awaited piece of silverware. In May, Son lifted the Europa League trophy after a 2-1 victory over Manchester United — Tottenham’s first major honour since their League Cup win in 2008.
“Lifting that trophy was a dream come true,” Son reflected. “To end my time here with a title means the world to me.”
Though his contract with Tottenham ran until 2026, the club is understood to have agreed to the sale as part of a mutual understanding and out of respect for his years of loyalty and service.
Tottenham are currently continuing their pre-season tour in Germany, where they will face Bayern Munich on Thursday — a reunion that would have pitted Son against former teammate Harry Kane. Instead, Son will remain in South Korea for a short period before flying to California to complete his move.
LAFC have yet to officially confirm the deal, but sources expect an announcement within days. The transfer could prove transformative for MLS in terms of commercial appeal, ticket sales, and TV audiences in Asia.
For Tottenham, replacing a player of Son’s stature — on and off the pitch — will be no easy task. But for now, the club, its fans, and Son himself can reflect on a decade of brilliance, humility, and unforgettable memories.
As one banner in Seoul read: “Once a Spur, always a Spur.”
