Los angeles: South Korean football icon Son Heung-min is now a member of Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) in Major League Soccer (MLS).
According to Yonhap News Agency, LAFC announced their signing of Son, 33, just before his introductory press conference at BMO Stadium in downtown Los Angeles. Son expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "I'm here to win, and I will perform, and I will definitely show you some exciting football. We definitely will have success." He was joined by John Thorrington, the club's co-president and general manager, and Bennett Rosenthal, their lead managing owner.
Thorrington praised Son as "a global icon and one of the most dynamic and accomplished players in world football," adding that Son's ambition and character align with LAFC's values. He expressed confidence that Son will elevate the club and inspire the community both on and off the pitch.
Son's illustrious career includes a decade with Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, where he won the Golden Boot as the league's top scorer in the 2021-22 season and lifted the UEFA Europa League trophy as club captain in May. LAFC acquired Son on a permanent transfer from Tottenham through 2027, with options for 2028 and 2029.
Financial terms were not disclosed, though reports suggested Son joined LAFC for a record transfer fee of US$26 million. Son will be eligible to play once he receives his P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
Son announced his departure from Tottenham while in Seoul for a preseason match, bidding farewell to fans in a draw against Newcastle United. He ended his Spurs tenure as the fifth-best scorer in club history with 173 goals in 454 matches.
Son stated his move was motivated by the desire to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Rosenthal emphasized that bringing Son to LAFC had been a long-held dream, describing his signing as a commitment to excellence on the pitch.
Son joins four other South Korean players in MLS this season, as LAFC currently stands in sixth place in the Western Conference. The MLS regular season will be followed by playoffs, with the top seven teams from each conference advancing.