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Son Heung-min Joins LAFC in Record MLS Deal After Emotional Tottenham Farewell

After a decade of unforgettable moments and 173 goals in 454 appearances with Tottenham Hotspur, Son Heung-min has made the bold leap to Major League Soccer, joining Los Angeles FC for a league-record transfer fee exceeding £20 million. The South Korean superstar, now 33, acknowledged that LAFC was not initially at the top of his list, but a compelling conversation with co-president John Thorrington shifted his perspective and ultimately changed the course of his career.

“That call altered my heart and mind,” Son explained during his official unveiling. “John showed me where I belonged next.” Son was introduced to LAFC fans during their 2-1 Leagues Cup win over Tigres UANL, receiving a warm welcome at BMO Stadium.

His move eclipses the previous MLS transfer record of £16.5 million, set when Atlanta United signed Emmanuel Latte Lath earlier this year. Son’s arrival is not only a commercial milestone but a clear sign of MLS’s growing international appeal.

A Premier League icon and former Spurs captain, Son played a pivotal role in Tottenham’s 2025 Europa League triumph, their first major silverware in 17 years. His leadership on and off the field has been praised by Spurs chairman Daniel Levy, who described Son as “one of the greatest players ever to wear the Lilywhite shirt.”

Now embarking on a new chapter in Los Angeles, Son reunites with former teammate and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris as LAFC currently sits sixth in the Western Conference standings. With a two-year deal and an option to extend for two more, Son aims to bring silverware to a franchise already hungry for success.

“I came to LA to win trophies,” Son declared. “This is a city of champions, and I want to add to that legacy.”

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