LAFC has finalized the transfer of Korean star Son Heung-min from Tottenham in a league-record fee, sources confirmed on Tuesday. The deal is worth around $26.5 million (£20 million), surpassing the previous record paid by Atlanta United for Emmanuel Latte Lath. Son will join LAFC’s Leagues Cup match vs. Tigres at BMO Stadium on Wednesday.
Son, 33, becomes the highest-profile player in the league, joining forces with Lionel Messi and others to elevate LAFC to a wider audience. The South Korean forward has consistently been a championship contender and adds an enormous talent to the team. His impact commercially will be significant, given his massive following among South Korean fans.
Son spent 10 years at Tottenham, winning the UEFA Europa League and scoring 127 Premier League goals. He is one of seven players ranking in the top 20 for both goal and assist totals alongside legends like Wayne Rooney and Thierry Henry. Son’s departure marks a significant shift for Spurs, with chairman Daniel Levy describing him as “one of the greatest players to ever wear the Lilywhite shirt.”
The signing represents a step forward for MLS in generating buzz, following recent high-profile signings by Thomas Müller, Rodrigo De Paul, and Messi himself. LAFC has consistently been active in the global transfer market, and this move could help push the league to a higher standard.
Son’s arrival in Los Angeles marks a significant milestone for the club, which has become a hub for top-tier talent. The move could also pave the way for more teams to attract high-profile players, elevating the league as a whole. With Son on board, LAFC is poised to take its place among MLS’s biggest West Coast markets.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6536835/2025/08/05/son-heung-min-tottenham-lafc-transfer-mls-record-fee