Tottenham Hotspur’s Son Heung-min raised the trophy high as he celebrated his team’s victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final in Bilbao, Spain, on May 21. Now, Son is set to make headlines once again as he prepares to join Los Angeles FC (LAFC), marking one of the most momentous signings in Major League Soccer (MLS) history.
This acquisition not only enhances LAFC’s roster but also elevates the hopes of the South Korean national team, especially with the upcoming World Cup. Son’s move to LAFC is generating immense excitement within the Korean community in Southern California, the largest in the U.S. According to Kyeongjun Kim, a writer for the Korean Daily, the potential signing of Son is a historic event, likening its significance to past major signings in Los Angeles sports, such as Chan Ho Park and Hyun-Jin Ryu with the Dodgers.
Securing Son, 33, from Tottenham, where he has spent a decade, comes at a steep price. While exact financial details remain undisclosed, sources indicate that the transfer fee is expected to exceed the MLS-record $22 million paid by Atlanta United for striker Emmanuel Latte Lath earlier this year, with estimates placing it around $26 million. Despite LAFC’s payroll being nearly $22.4 million, which ranks sixth in the league, the investment is viewed as potentially profitable due to the marketing and sponsorship opportunities it could create, similar to the financial gains enjoyed by the Dodgers from star player Shohei Ohtani.
The presence of a top-tier player like Son can significantly impact both LAFC and the league as a whole, according to Kim. It could foster new business opportunities and attract Korean broadcasters interested in acquiring broadcasting rights, enhancing the visibility of MLS, which has often been overlooked by Korean fans.
Son’s appeal transcends ethnic lines; his popularity in the Premier League, combined with his articulate English and humble demeanor, makes him marketable to a diverse audience. Unlike a previous attempt with defender Kim Moon-hwan, who struggled with adaptation in Los Angeles, Son’s journey in soccer began young when he left high school to join a youth academy in Germany, implying his readiness for this new chapter.
Should Son thrive in MLS, he could pave the way for more Korean players to join the league, further enriching its talent pool. With over 120 goals at Tottenham and a standout record in the Premier League, Son’s performance could rejuvenate LAFC’s offense, which has recently faced challenges scoring.
As the South Korean national team gears up for the 2026 World Cup, Son’s move to LAFC may be perfectly timed to enhance his performance under local conditions. His experience and leadership as captain will be instrumental as he prepares for what may be his final World Cup.
This signing not only stands to benefit LAFC on the field but also connects to broader cultural and community impacts, making it a potentially transformative move for both the club and the league. The excitement surrounding Son’s arrival is a testament to the positive momentum building around Korean soccer in the U.S., heralding a bright future ahead for both the player and LAFC.