Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min announced his departure from the club after a decade, with negotiations underway for a blockbuster Son Heung-min LAFC move to Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles FC. The 33-year-old South Korean star, who made 454 appearances, scored 173 goals, and provided 101 assists, led Spurs to their first trophy in 17 years with a Europa League victory in May 2025.
Son’s exit, confirmed during a press conference in Seoul, ends an iconic tenure as he seeks a fresh challenge in the MLS, with LAFC aiming to finalize the transfer before the August 21, 2025, secondary transfer window closes.
Son’s announcement came ahead of Tottenham’s pre-season friendly against Newcastle United at Seoul World Cup Stadium on August 3, potentially his final appearance for Spurs.
Joining from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015 for £22 million, Son became the most expensive Asian player in football history at the time, a record he still holds. His electrifying pace, two-footed finishing, and partnership with Harry Kane, producing a record 14 goal-assist combinations in the 2020-21 Premier League season, cemented his status as a Spurs legend.
His 2020 FIFA Puskás Award for a solo goal against Burnley and joint-top scorer title with Mohamed Salah in 2021-22 highlight his impact.
LAFC’s pursuit of Son, fueled by their two open designated player spots, intensified after the departure of Olivier Giroud, with the club eyeing a high-profile signing to boost their MLS Cup playoff chances.
Sources report LAFC’s £15 million ($20.2 million) offer, though Tottenham value him at €25 million, reflecting his global marketability and 23 goal contributions last season.
Son’s preference for the U.S. over lucrative Saudi Pro League offers, including one from Al Ittihad, stems from his desire to stay closer to Western football markets and Los Angeles’ large Korean expat community.
New Spurs manager Thomas Frank, who replaced Ange Postecoglou in June, confirmed Son’s desire to leave, noting, “He’s fully committed for now, but it’s a tricky situation.” Son’s decision follows a season where he was no longer the team’s undisputed talisman, with younger left-wing options like Brennan Johnson emerging.
His contract, extended to 2026 via a one-year option, left the door open for a move, with Tottenham open to his departure for a modest fee, acknowledging his decade of service.
The Seoul friendly, a commercial event tied to Son’s popularity, is seen as a farewell stage, with fans on Twitter lauding his move.
Son’s move to LAFC, where former Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris plays, could pair him with Denis Bouanga, creating a formidable attack. The Athletic reports that talks have advanced, with LAFC aiming to finalize the deal post-Seoul, leveraging Son’s global appeal to elevate MLS’s profile, as seen with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami move.
However, some Spurs fans on Reddit’s r/coys argue the €25 million valuation undervalues Son’s legacy, with 173 goals placing him among the club’s all-time greats, surpassing Gareth Bale’s tally.
Critics question whether MLS’s slower pace suits the still-elite winger, who managed seven Premier League goals in 30 appearances last season despite injury setbacks.
The transfer saga reflects Tottenham’s transitional phase under Frank, with the club eyeing replacements like Napoli’s Victor Osimhen. Son’s departure, following Kane, Bale, and Luka Modric’s exits, marks the end of an era.
His emotional Seoul press conference, where he said, “I came to north London as a kid… I leave as a man,” resonated with fans, many of whom hope for a proper send-off. LAFC’s ambition to secure Son, coupled with his desire for a new environment, positions this as one of the MLS’s biggest coups, potentially reshaping their Western Conference standing.
As negotiations progress, Son’s legacy as Tottenham’s Europa League-winning captain endures. His move to LAFC will test his ability to adapt to a new league while carrying his global influence, with fans and analysts eagerly awaiting his next chapter in Los Angeles.
