Spurs' star player, Son Heung-min, plans to depart Tottenham Hotspur this summer following a decade there.
Son Heung-min Announces Departure from Tottenham Hotspur for Los Angeles FC
Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min has confirmed his intention to leave the club this summer, with a move to Major League Soccer (MLS) and Los Angeles FC (LAFC) on the horizon.
During a press conference in Seoul, South Korea, Son expressed his need for a new environment and a change to push himself further. He has reportedly reached an agreement in principle with LAFC, with negotiations between the two clubs in advanced stages [1][2][3].
Son's decision to leave comes after a decade at Tottenham, having joined the club from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015. In his time at the club, he has played more than 450 times and scored 173 goals, making him a key figure in the team's successes.
Despite a poor season by his high standards and struggles with leg injuries, Son's contribution to the team was evident in their Europa League victory in May, a trophy he mentioned played a significant role in his decision to consider a change.
The transfer fee for Son is expected to be in the range of $20 to $27 million, potentially making it the most expensive incoming MLS transfer ever [1][3]. Son would thus become a marquee player in the MLS, marking the end of his decade-long tenure at Tottenham Hotspur.
Son's departure comes as Tottenham Hotspur prepare for a pre-season friendly against Newcastle United on Sunday in Seoul. Son is expected to receive a warm reception from his home fans, having lifted the Europa League trophy just a few months ago.
Frank, the new coach of Tottenham Hotspur, expressed his admiration for Son, calling him a true Spurs legend and one of the greatest players in the Premier League. The club's major acquisition this summer has been attacking midfielder Mohammed Kudus from West Ham.
Meanwhile, a transfer for Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest to Tottenham Hotspur fell through, with the deal reportedly collapsing at a £60 million price tag.
Son, who spent 10 years at Tottenham Hotspur after joining at the age of 23, reflected deeply on whether he wanted to experience football in a different environment. He cut an emotional figure during the announcement, expressing his gratitude to the club and its fans.
[1] The Athletic: Son Heung-min set to join Los Angeles FC in £20m deal
[2] ESPN: Son Heung-min agrees to join Los Angeles FC
[3] BBC Sport: Son Heung-min set to join Los Angeles FC in £20m deal
- Son Heung-min's desire for change and new environment in sports has led him to consider a move from the European leagues, specifically the Premier League, to Los Angeles FC in the world of football.
- As the transfer negotiations between Tottenham Hotspur and LAFC progress, it is evident that Son Heung-min's departure could make him a crucial addition and marquee player in the MLS.
- Despite the impending transfer, Son Heung-min's lasting impact on Tottenham Hotspur will remain evident, as he has played more than 450 games and scored 173 goals for the Premier League club.
- As the world watches the unfolding transfers in European football leagues, Son Heung-min's move to Los Angeles FC might serve as an example for other top-tier athletes seeking change and opportunities in different parts of the world.
