Devoted Son of Former HSV Announces Toughest Professional Choice
Heung-min Son Bids Farewell to Tottenham Hotspur as Major League Soccer Move Looms
After ten years at Tottenham Hotspur, South Korean international Heung-min Son has submitted a transfer request for this summer, with Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs reportedly interested in his services[1][2].
The 33-year-old forward announced his decision during the team's preseason tour in Seoul, South Korea, expressing his desire for a "new environment" to continue growing in his career[2]. Los Angeles FC has emerged as the leading potential destination, with talks between the parties advancing[2][1].
Son, who joined Tottenham in 2015 after stops at HSV and Bayer Leverkusen, has played over 450 games for the club, scoring 173 goals and making 101 assists[2]. In his final game for Spurs, Son captained the team in a preseason friendly against Newcastle United in South Korea[2].
New Spurs coach Thomas Frank expressed his admiration for Son, calling him a "true Spurs legend" and "one of the greatest players ever to play in the Premier League."[2] Despite Tottenham not actively looking to sell Son, the club is willing to let him pursue this new path given he is in the final year of his contract[1][2].
Son's decision to leave Tottenham was influenced by his desire for a fresh challenge and his role in the club's Europa League triumph in May[2]. He finds it "the hardest decision of his career" to leave Tottenham, but he is leaving as a grown man, feeling "very proud" of his time at the club[2].
Tottenham Hotspur have announced they will not stand in Son's way, and the transfer could represent one of the biggest signings in MLS history[1]. As the transfer saga unfolds, Son's destination remains undisclosed, but the MLS seems to be his likely destination, with Los Angeles FC as the front-runner[2][1].
[1] ESPN. (2023). Heung-min Son 'close' to joining LAFC as transfer to MLS edges closer. [online] Available at: https://www.espn.com/soccer/major-league-soccer/story/4769334/heung-min-son-close-to-joining-la-fc-as-transfer-to-mls-edges-closer
[2] The Guardian. (2023). Heung-min Son confirms he will leave Tottenham Hotspur this summer. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jul/15/heung-min-son-confirms-he-will-leave-tottenham-hotspur-this-summer-with-los-angeles-fc-leading-race-for-transfer
In light of his decision to seek a new environment, Heung-min Son's potential move to Major League Soccer (MLS) could mark one of the biggest signings in league history, particularly with Los Angeles FC as a strong contender. Even though Heung-min Son has had a prominent career in European-leagues, playings for clubs like HSV, Bayer Leverkusen, and most notably, Tottenham Hotspur, his performance in the Premier League has solidified his status as one of the greatest footballers in the league.
