Spurs leader Son Heung-min declares departure after a decade: "I have provided my best..."
Son Heung-min Heads to Major League Soccer's Los Angeles FC
After a decade of service and countless memorable moments, Son Heung-min, the iconic captain of Tottenham Hotspur, is set to embark on a new chapter in his illustrious career. The South Korean forward has confirmed his destination as Major League Soccer (MLS) side Los Angeles FC (LAFC).
The transfer, expected to be finalised in early August 2025, will mark a significant milestone for the league. With Son still in his prime, this move breaks the mould of the typical MLS signings, traditionally consisting of either retirees or young prospects.
Son played his final game for Tottenham Hotspur in a pre-season friendly in Seoul, South Korea, before heading to Los Angeles to complete the signing with LAFC. The transfer fee is reported to be around $26 million, making it the biggest transfer in MLS history.
The move is expected to boost LAFC’s squad strength and increase MLS’s visibility, particularly among Asian football fans in the United States.
Son's departure from Tottenham Hotspur marks the end of a significant chapter in the club's history. He was appointed as the club captain in August 2023, succeeding Hugo Lloris. During his tenure, he made a lasting impact on the club and its fans, scoring 173 goals in 454 matches and providing the most Premier League assists in Tottenham Hotspur's history with 71.
One of Son's most significant achievements at Tottenham was winning the Europa League in 2024, which was the club's first major trophy in 17 years. He also won the Joint Premier League Golden Boot in the 2021-2022 season with 23 goals.
Son Heung-min leaves Tottenham Hotspur as a club icon and one of the most influential Asian footballers in European history. Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is reportedly supporting Son's decision to leave the club.
Before his departure, Son is expected to captain Tottenham in a pre-season friendly in Seoul against Newcastle United. Fans of both clubs will have the opportunity to bid farewell to one of the greatest players of his generation.
[1] BBC Sport. (2025). Son Heung-min completes move to Los Angeles FC. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58468253
[2] Sky Sports. (2025). Son Heung-min joins Los Angeles FC from Tottenham. [online] Available at: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/12422032/son-heung-min-joins-los-angeles-fc-from-tottenham
[3] ESPN. (2025). Son Heung-min's move to LAFC a major boost for MLS. [online] Available at: https://www.espn.com/soccer/major-league-soccer/story/4690528/son-heung-min-s-move-to-la-fc-a-major-boost-for-mls
- Beyond football, Son Heung-min's decision to join Major League Soccer's Los Angeles FC might stimulate international discussions on the expansion of sports leagues.
- As Son Heung-min leaves European-leagues for MLS, the Asian football community, particularly in India and South Korea, may witness an increase in interest in the sport.
- The impact of Son Heung-min's move to Los Angeles FC could potentially be felt across the global sports landscape, with cricket-dominated nations like India potentially showing greater attention towards football.
- The environmental implications of increased sports tourism, as a result of Son Heung-min's transfer to Los Angeles FC and the subsequent increased visibility of MLS, are an area that warrants further exploration.
- Despite his departure from the Premier League, Son Heung-min's influence on football history remains undeniable, with his record-breaking transfer fee marking a turning point in both MLS and Asian football.
