Los Angeles FC has officially confirmed the signing of South Korean forward Son Heung-Min from Tottenham Hotspur, hailing him as a “global icon.”
The 33-year-old arrives after a decade in the English Premier League, where he gained international acclaim. According to reports from ESPN and The Athletic, the transfer comes with a Major League Soccer record fee of $26 million.
Son recently celebrated scoring the opening goal during Tottenham’s Premier League clash against Brighton on April 8, 2023, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in LondonAn emotional Son Heung-Min announced his departure from Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday while in his home country, South Korea. The announcement comes just months after he led the club to end a 17-year trophy drought by captaining the team to a Europa League victory
Son Heung-Min departs Tottenham Hotspur as the club’s fifth all-time leading scorer, having netted 173 goals in 454 appearances. His exit follows a historic moment just months earlier, when he captained Spurs to their first trophy in 17 years by lifting the Europa League.
Welcoming the South Korean star, LAFC co-president and general manager John Thorrington praised Son’s global stature and influence.
“Sonny is a global icon and one of the most dynamic and accomplished players in world football,” Thorrington said. “We are proud that he has chosen Los Angeles for the next chapter of his extraordinary career. Sonny is a proven winner and a world-class individual. We are confident he will elevate our club and inspire our community – both on and off the pitch.”
Son’s official presentation is scheduled for a press conference in Los Angeles at 2 p.m. local time (2100 GMT). His arrival has already sparked excitement among fans, with supporters waving South Korean flags and banners at Los Angeles International Airport earlier this week.
He will replace French striker Olivier Giroud, who was transferred to Lille in July, and will reunite with former Spurs teammate Hugo Lloris, now LAFC’s goalkeeper
“Sonny is one of the greatest players to ever wear the famous Lilywhite shirt and he has been a joy to watch over the past decade,” said Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy.
As Son Heung-Min begins a new chapter with LAFC, tributes continue to pour in from Tottenham Hotspur, where he spent a decade becoming one of the club’s most beloved figures.
“Not only is he a wonderfully gifted footballer, but he’s also an incredible human being who has touched hearts and inspired people throughout the club and all over the world,” a statement read.
Reflecting on his most recent achievement, the club hailed Son’s leadership during their long-awaited Europa League triumph:
“The Europa League triumph in Bilbao was a truly magical moment in the club’s history, and Sonny lifting the trophy is a perfect lasting memory from his fantastic decade at Tottenham Hotspur.”
Son leaves Spurs as their fifth-highest all-time scorer with 173 goals in 454 appearances, and a legacy that extends far beyond the pitch.
