Son Heung-min Joins LAFC: A New Chapter After 10 Years with Tottenham

Los Angeles FC has officially signed Son Heung-min, the renowned South Korean forward, marking a significant shift from his decade-long tenure at Tottenham Hotspur. Son, now 33, announced his departure from Spurs just days before joining LAFC.

During his time at Tottenham, Son scored 173 goals across 454 matches. He became a beloved figure, known for his incredible speed and skill. His farewell in Seoul last week was emotional, highlighted by a guard of honor from both teams during Tottenham’s exhibition against Newcastle, drawing nearly 65,000 fans.

LAFC introduced Son during a recent League Cup match, where fans greeted him with thunderous applause. The club reportedly paid over $20 million for his transfer, a record fee for an MLS move.

Son’s presence is significant for LA, especially given its large Korean community. The vibrant Koreatown is nearby, making it easy for fans to connect with their star player. LAFC hopes to draw in fans similar to how Shohei Ohtani has captivated baseball followers in Los Angeles.

With the 2026 World Cup set to take place in North America, Son’s transition to LAFC comes at a strategic moment. He plans to participate in his fourth World Cup as the captain of South Korea.

At Tottenham, Son recently helped the team win the Europa League, adding to his impressive credentials before starting fresh in MLS. Although he scored only seven goals in the last Premier League season, he still possesses the skills to make an impact in the MLS. At 33, he is among the younger elite players joining the league, contrasting with others like Lionel Messi, who arrived at 35.

Son will reunite with former Tottenham teammate Hugo Lloris, now LAFC’s goalkeeper. Currently, high-scoring forward Denis Bouanga is the only designated player on the team. General manager John Thorrington has faced some criticism for not maximizing their financial potential this season, especially after a failed attempt to acquire Antoine Griezmann from Atlético Madrid.

While both Bouanga and Son excel on the left wing, Son’s versatility could see him fit into various positions on the field. LAFC plays a fast-paced, counterattacking style, making Son an excellent addition compared to other recent transfers who struggled to adapt.

As LAFC looks toward the future, changes may be on the horizon, especially with coach Steve Cherundolo set to leave for Germany after a successful tenure. Son’s arrival could help shape a new strategy for the team.

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