The Los Angeles Football Club Wednesday announced the acquisition of South Korean national team captain Son Heung-Min.
The 33-year-old forward was in attendance at LAFC’s 2-1 victory over Tigres on Tuesday night in a Leagues Cup 2025 game at BMO Stadium, fueling speculation about his possible acquisition.
ESPN reported Monday that Son was “poised to sign” with LAFC after 10 seasons with Tottenham Hotspur of England’s Premier League.
LAFC confirmed Wednesday that Son will be a designated player through 2027, with options for 2028 and 2029. He will be eligible to play when he receives his P-1 visa and International Transfer Certificate, according to the team.
“Sonny is a global icon and one of the most dynamic and accomplished players in world football,” LAFC Co-President and General Manager John Thorrington said in a statement. “His ambition, ability, and character align perfectly with our values at LAFC. We are proud that he has chosen Los Angeles for the next chapter of his extraordinary career. Sonny is a proven winner and a world-class individual, and we are confident he will elevate our club and inspire our community — both on and off the pitch.”
Son scored 173 goals for Tottenham in all competitions, the fifth-most in team history.
Son played for Hamburger SV from 2010-13, then fellow Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen from 2013-15.
On the South Korean national team, Son has scored 51 international goals and represented the country in the 2014, 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups and four AFC Asian Cups.
“I’m incredibly proud to be joining LAFC, a club with big ambitions in one of the most iconic sports cities in the world,” Son said. “Los Angeles has such a rich history of champions, and I am here to help write the next chapter. I’m excited for this new challenge in MLS. I have come to L.A. to lift trophies and give everything for this club, this city, and its fans. I cannot wait to get started.”
ESPN reported that LAFC will pay a transfer fee of around $26 million, the largest by an MLS team. The previous high was $22 million by Atlanta United FC in February to acquire forward Emmanuel Latte Lath from Middlesbrough of the EFL Championship.
Son announced his plans to leave Tottenham on Saturday, one day before the team concluded its East Asian tour by facing Newcastle United in an exhibition in Seoul, South Korea.
“Before we start, I just want to share the information that I have decided to leave this club this summer,” Son said. “It was the most difficult decision I have made in my career.
“I have spent 10 years at Tottenham. The main reason is that I have achieved everything I can at Tottenham. I need a new environment for a fresh challenge. I’m grateful the club have respected my decision and wish Spurs well for the next season.
“I came to North London as a kid — 23 years old, a very young age, a boy who couldn’t speak English. I leave this club as a man. Thank you to all the Spurs fans who have given me so much love. It felt like it was my home.
“I think it is the right time to leave. I hope that everyone understands that and respects that.”