Son Heung-min Signs Record $26 Million LAFC Deal After Tottenham Exit
South Korean captain Son Heung-min officially joined Los Angeles FC on Wednesday in a transfer worth approximately $26 million, setting a new Major League Soccer record and ending his decade-long tenure at Tottenham Hotspur.
LAFC paid around $26 million for Son, surpassing the previous MLS record of $22 million that Atlanta United spent on Emmanuel Latte Lath. The 33-year-old forward signed as a Designated Player through 2027 with club options extending through June 2029.
Son's arrival marks the most significant MLS signing since Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023, positioning LAFC as serious contenders for the MLS Cup.
Son played his final game for Tottenham in Seoul against Newcastle United on Sunday, receiving a standing ovation and guard of honor from both teams. During his 10 seasons at Spurs, Son made 454 appearances, scoring 173 goals and providing 101 assists, making him the club's fifth-highest goalscorer in history.
The South Korean's greatest achievement came in May 2025 when he captained Tottenham to their first trophy in 17 years, lifting the UEFA Europa League after defeating Manchester United 1-0 in the final.
At his Wednesday introduction, Son revealed the club wasn't initially his preferred destination. "If I'm honest it was not my first choice but John [Thorrington] was the first call when the season finished and John changed my mind, he changed my heart," Son admitted.
"I came to LA to lift trophies and give everything for this club, this city, and the fans," the forward declared, emphasizing his championship ambitions.
Los Angeles has the world's largest ethnic Korean population outside Korea, with Koreatown located just miles from LAFC's BMO Stadium. This demographic connection, combined with Son's global profile, makes the signing a marketing coup for the club.
The timing also benefits Son's international career, with the 2026 World Cup taking place across North America. As South Korea's captain with 51 international goals, the upcoming tournament represents likely his final World Cup opportunity.
Son reunites with former Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who joined LAFC in 2024. The partnership that helped Spurs reach the 2019 Champions League final will now pursue MLS Cup glory.
LAFC currently sits sixth in the Western Conference with a 10-6-6 record but holds games in hand over teams above them. The Black and Gold won the MLS Cup in 2022 and reached the final in 2023, establishing themselves as perennial contenders.
Son joins an attacking unit featuring Denis Bouanga and replaces departed French striker Olivier Giroud. His proven ability to perform in crucial moments - including his 2020 FIFA Puskas Award-winning solo goal against Burnley - addresses LAFC's need for a difference-maker.
Son is widely regarded as the greatest Asian player of all time and holds the record as the top Asian goalscorer in both Premier League and Champions League history. His arrival continues MLS's strategy of attracting world-class talent to raise the league's global profile.
For LAFC, Son represents more than statistical production. His leadership experience, having captained both club and country to major tournament success, provides invaluable qualities as the team pursues another MLS Cup title.
The signing signals LAFC's continued ambition to compete at the highest level while bringing one of football's most respected figures to American soccer during a pivotal period before the 2026 World Cup.
