In a significant development shaking the football world, Tottenham Hotspur’s revered captain, Son Heung-min, has officially confirmed his impending departure from the London club this summer, with Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC poised to secure his highly anticipated signature.
Sources close to the negotiations indicate that Son, a talismanic figure for Spurs, has already communicated his desire to join LAFC, prompting the American club to dispatch a high-level delegation to South Korea to finalize the intricate details of the transfer agreement. This proactive move by the MLS outfit underscores their serious intent to bring the South Korean footballer to the United States.
Despite having a year remaining on his current contract with Tottenham, the club is reportedly prepared to facilitate their captain’s exit, allowing him to leave on his own terms as a gesture of appreciation for his decade of service. Both chairman Daniel Levy and new manager Thomas Frank have engaged in discussions with Son, ensuring all parties are aligned on this mutual decision.
During an emotional press conference, Son articulated the profound difficulty of his choice, stating, “I just want to share the information that I have decided to leave this club this summer. Respectfully, this club is helping me to make my decision. It was the most difficult decision I have made in my career. The main reason is I have achieved everything I can at Tottenham. I need a new environment for a fresh challenge.”
Reflecting on his journey, the Premier League star poignantly added, “I came to north London as a kid. 23 years old, a very young age. A boy who couldn’t speak English. I leave this club as a man. Thank you to all the Spurs fans who have given me so much love. It felt like it was my home. It was one of the toughest decisions I ever made. I think it is the right time to leave. I hope that everyone understands that and respects that.”
While Tottenham had previously valued Son at around €40 million in discussions with Saudi suitors, LAFC is not expected to match this figure. The nature of the deal structure remains undisclosed, but there is a strong possibility that Spurs will accept a lower transfer fee, acknowledging Son’s strong preference for this MLS move and his immense contributions to the club.
Several factors beyond the pitch have influenced Son’s decision, including Los Angeles’s vibrant South Korean community, which is understood to have played a significant role in his personal considerations. Furthermore, the opportunity to establish himself in America a year ahead of the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, presents a strategic advantage for the global football icon.
Since joining Tottenham from Bayer Leverkusen in August 2015 for £22 million, Son has etched his name into the club’s history, netting an impressive 173 goals in 454 appearances over a decade. He remains one of the most beloved and impactful players, culminating his domestic career at Spurs last season by lifting his only club trophy.
