Son Heung-min’s Situation at Tottenham
At almost 33 years of age, Heung-Min Son remains one of Tottenham’s all-time greats alongside Harry Kane, Luka Modrić, Gareth Bale, and Hugo Lloris, who’s already made the move to Los Angeles Football Club. Son’s future in North London has started to grow uncertain though, his current contract runs until June 30th, 2026 - effectively giving him one final year on his deal, which means Spurs have to make a decision, and relatively soon on their veteran star. Tottenham’s new manager, Thomas Frank is reportedly open to selling Son this summer, allowing the club legend to choose his next step if he wishes. Son is coming off a 24/25 season where he contributed 11 goals and 12 assists in 46 appearances across all competitions. While those numbers are solid (21 goal contributions), we’ve noticed a slight dip in his explosiveness and finishing at times last season. Son still captained Spurs to a Europa League title in May, becoming the first Tottenham captain since 2008 to lift a major trophy. He’s scored 127 Premier League goals for the club - second only to Harry Kane in Spurs history, underscoring his legendary status in North London. However with his 33rd birthday approaching in just a few days and a high-tempo tactical reboot underway at Tottenham, there’s a growing sense that this summer might be the right time for both the club and the player to consider a parting of ways.
Off the pitch, Tottenham’s stance appears pragmatic. Having triggered a one-year extension, the club ensured Son won’t leave for free in 2025. Now with only one year left on his contract, Tottenham can still command a significant transfer fee if Son decides to move on. Chairman Daniel Levy is rumored to be lining up potential replacements should Son depart, indicating Spurs are preparing for a post-Son life. Crucially, the club respects Son’s contributions and stature - if he requests a transfer, they’re unlikely to stand in his way out of loyalty and to avoid losing him for nothing next year. All these factors set the stage for the possibility of Son taking on new challenges outside of Europe, with Major League Soccer emerging as an option.
LAFC’s Pursuit
Across the Atlantic, Los Angeles FC have reportedly made Son one of their top targets as they look to be queuing up to make a big move in the transfer market. It’s also reported that LAFC have already held talks with the Tottenham star about a sensational move to California. The club’s interest is enabled by a key roster situtation: LAFC have a Designated Player slot available after Olivier Girouds departure, and possibly another if Dilrosun leaves (see here for more information about Dilrosun) which means they have room to sign a big named player on high wages outside of the league’s salary cap restrictions.
Giroud, a world cup winning forward, had been LAFC’s big hope, their big signing, but he left after 18 disappointing months in Los Angeles. He managed only a modest impact on the field and mutually agreed to terminate his contract this summer, ultimately signing with Ligue 1 club Lille on a free transfer. Giroud’s exist leaves a void in LAFC’s attack, though they still have quality options like Denis Bouanga and Jeremy Ebobissee, as well as youngsters like Nathan Ordaz and David Martinez. The LA side see Son Heung-min as an ideal player to fill that void and lead their front line. LAFC’s board is reportedly “working on a major transfer coup” to bring the Korean icon to BMO Stadium, aiming to capitalize on one of the open DP slot’s and the ambition to remain one of MLS’s best teams.
Under MLS rules, every team can have up to three Designated Players whose salaries don’t fully count against the league’s cap. LAFC currently have two DP slots available, providing Dilrosun’s loan doesn’t get renewed or LAFC don’t decide to buy him. This is a rare luxury and signals that LAFC has both the financial flexibility, and the intent to add another top-tier talent. John Thorrington, LAFC’s co-president and General Manager, has a reputation for bringing in the best players. Over the years we’ve seen stars such as Gareth Bale, Olivier Giroud, Hugo Lloris, Walker Zimmermann, Girgio Chiellini, Bradley-Wright-Phillips, and of course Carlos Vela. Sources are indicating that Son’s camp is in concrete negotiations with LAFC about this move, suggesting the interest is very much mutual. The fact that Son has already seen long-time Spurs teammate Hugo Lloris move to LAFC, could also make the prospect more appealing.
Tactical Fit in LAFC’s Lineup
Form a footballing standpoint, how would Son Heung-min fit into LAFC’s lineup? On the field Son is a very versatile forward who has primary thrived as a left winger cutting inside or as a second striker. LAFC’s current squad would likely accommodate him as a focal point of the attack alongside Denis Bouanga, this would make two exceptional wingers. One of the problems with LAFC is they’re too reliant on Bouanga, and having both wings be a dangerous threat would only make LA more dangerous on the attack. It’s true than Son is not a like-for-like replacement for Giroud - Son relies on pace, incisive movement, and two-footed finishing, whereas Giroud is a traditional target man. But son’s versatility could be much of an asset, he can play on the left flank (where Bouanga usually operates), or up front as a romanting striker who drifts wide. Manager Steve Cherundolo would have some tactical decisions to make, perhaps adjusting formations to get the best out of Son and Bouanga together. One option could be to play Son in a free attacking role, interchanging with other forwards to exploit defensive gaps. His experience playing as a central striker at Tottenham (especially under Ange Postecoglou in 23/24) means he’s capable of leading the line if asked, even if it’s not his best position.
Crucially, Son’s arrival would instantly elevate LAFC’s transition game and finishing in the final third. Even as he’s entered his thirties, Son remains a potent goal threat that needs to be watched closely - he’s known for his intelligent runs behind defenses and clinical shooting ability with both feet. MLS defenders would have a new handful trying to contain a player of his degree. That said, at Spurs there were some whispers Son might not press or sprint as relentlessly as in his younger years, so LAFC would need to balance using his offensive talents with providing cover when he conserves energy. The good news is MLS play, while intense, is generally a bit less unforgiving week-to-week than the English Premier League. Many attacking stars in their early-to-mid thirties, from David Villa to Zlatan Ibrahamivoić have successfully adapted and shone in MLS. At 33, Son should still have the pace and the fitness to be a top performer, provided he’s managed well through the travel and summer heat that comes with MLS life.
Tactically, Son could form a dynamic partnership with LAFC’s existing attackers. If deployed on the left wing, he and left-back Ryan Hollingshead could terrorize oppontents with overlaps and quick combinations. If used centrally, Son’s link-up play with midfield creators like Marky Delgado or Igor Jesús could really start to unlock defenses. Importantly, Son also brings a wealth of experience in big matches - something that could prove invaluable as LAFC’s known to play many tournaments and international competitions, like the Concacaf Champions Cup and the FIFA Club world Cup. In short, Son would instantly become the main point of LAFC’s attack, and Cherundolo would likely build the team’s tactics around his strengths. It might require some adjustments and time, but the upside of adding a player of Son’s caliber and experience far outweights any tactical tweaks needed.
In my personal opinion
I think provided LAFC get Son, they should put him on the right wing. They should keep Denis Bouanga on the left, maybe put Nathan Ordaz in the middle, and on the right put Son. This would keep both flanks of the pitch dangerous as both Bouanga and Son cut inside, while Ordaz can roam around the 18-yard-box to finish chances off.
Commercial and Fan Impact of the Signing
Signing Son Heung-min would be a massive commercial win for LAFC and MLS as a whole. Son is arguably Asai’s most famous footballer, a national hero in South Korea, and a globally recognized Premier League star. In Los Angeles - a city with a large Korean-American community and a globally diverse fanbase - Son’s arrival would generate enormous hype. I could even compare the potential impact to pitcher Chan Ho Park’s arrival with the LA Dodgers in the 1990s, which gained Korean-American support. We could expect a similar surge in local (and global) interest at LAFC: Korean flags in the stands, a spike in ticket sales, and a run on Son’s No. 7 jerseys at the team store. There’s already a supporter group for LAFC’s hardcore fans, the 3252, the Tigers Supporters Group (TSG), which serves as the bridge to bring the diverse generations of sports fans in Los Angeles directly into the mix of the North End of the stadium.
From a marketing perspective, LAFC would likely attract new sponsorship and partnership deals thanks for Son.He brings with him a legion of loyal fans and media attention from Asia. MLS has been eager to raise its profile internationally - especially after Lionel Messi’s high-profile move to Inter Miami in 2023 - and adding Son would further that mission. In fact, Korean media have noted that if Son heads to MLS, he’ll command huge attention as an Asian superstar following in Messi’s footsteps to the United States. The prospect of Son facing Messi in league play, or sharing the stage at MLS All-Star events is a storyline that practically markets itself. LAFC, as MLS Cup champions in 2022, US Open Cup winners in 2024, two supporters shields, and one of the leagues most ambitious clubs, would solidify its status as a global brand with Son on board.
There’s also the broader MLS landscape to consider. The league’s seen stars from Europe and South America, but a true Asian mega-star is a rarity. Son’s presence could open MLS to new markets in East Asia and inspire more Asian players to consider moves stateside. His professionalism and popularity align perfectly with LAFC’s goal of being both competitive on the field and cutting-edge off the field. All told, the commercial upside of signing Son is hard to overstate: higher TV ratings for LAFC games, sold-out stadiums on away trips, and perhaps new investment of youth academies connections in Asia down the line. For LAFC’s front office, these factors make pursuing Son not just a football decision, but a strategic business move as well.
Reuniting with Hugo Lloris in Los Angeles
An interesting subplot to these rumors is the potential reunion between Son Heung-min and Hugo Lloris at LAFC. The French goalkeeper, who captained Tottenham for nearly a decade, signed with Los Angeles FC in late 2023 to be their new number one between the posts. Lloris and Son were teammates at Spurs for eight seasons, sharing many highs and a few lows. A deal would need to happen this summer though for these two to be reunited, as it seems Hugo Lloris will be leaving at the end of the year. Fans would recall the much-publicized locker room confrontation in 2020 with Lloris and Son had a brief clash over defensive work rate, a sign of competitive tensions that was quickly resolved. In truth, that incident only underscored the mutual respect between the two - they were both leaders who cared deeply about the team. Off the pitch, the duo formed part of the Spurs’ leadership core, with Lloris as captain and Son eventually becoming vice-captain and then captain after Lloris’ departure.
If son were to join LAFC, he’d find a familiar face in Lloris waiting for him in the dressing room. That comfort factor shouldn’t be underestimated. Adjusting to a new league and country can be challenging, but having Lloris - someone who knows Son’s personality and playing style intimately could ease the transition. Lloris himself has settled well in Los Angeles, and no doubt he would be an advocate in Son’s ear about the professional project and lifestyle in SoCal. On the field, their chemistry could carry over; Lloris, as a veteran keeper, often acted as a mentor and motivator, and he won’t be shy about holding teammates accountable in MLS just as he did in England. For LAFC’s younger players, seeing two legends from a Champions League - caliber club reunite in their squad would be inspirational and raise the standard of training.
Both Lloris and Son gave their prime years to Tottenham without ever winning a domestic league title. Reuniting in MLS, they might feel that they have unfinished business terms of lifting more silverware - even if it’s on a different stage. LAFC fans, for their part, would surely relish having two world-renowned former Spurs in black and gold. The club has never been shy about star power and having a world cup winning captain in goal, with an Asian football icon in attack at the same time would be unprecedented in MLS. For Son personally, joining Lloris could provide a sense of continuity as he goes on to a new chapter.
Financial Factors: Transfer Fee and Wages
It’s no surprise that one of the best Asian players is going to demand a big salary. One big question around a potential Son-to-LAFC transfer is the financials. What kind of transfer fee and salary are we talking about, and can LAFC realistically afford it? Son earns roughly £190,000 per week - $177,000 per week (or £9.9 million - $13.5 million) at Tottenham currently - putting him in the elite bracket, even by Premier League standards. For comparison, the highest-paid players in MLS earn on the order of $10-15 million per year. So while Son’s wage is very high for MLS, it’s not unprecedented for a Designated Player; LAFC would certainly need to use a DP slot and possibly creative sponsorship deals to accommodate his salary, but it’s within the realm of possibility, maybe allocating a percentage of jersey sales to him.
The transfer fee is a trickier aspect. Son will have just one year left on his contract by the end of this summer, which typically lowers a player’s transfer valuation. However given his stature and Tottenham’s desire to get value, the fee could still be substantial. Son’s market value is around €20.00m (or $23.5 million) as of mid-2025, though Spurs might not expect to receive that full amount with his contract winding down. A more realistic fee might be in the region of $10-15 million, which would stil be a record breaker for many MLS clubs, but LAFC have shown willingness to spend for the right player. On LAFC’s perspective, if you’re wanting Lloris and Son to play together, you need to do it this summer before Lloris retires from football or leaves LAFC. Not too long ago LAFC explored signing Atlético Madrid star Antoine Griezmann for a free in that range, indicating the club isn’t averse to a bold investment. Tottenham, for their part, reportedly see Son as one of the last chances to cash in on a veteran star to raise funds for their rebuild. If LAFC come forward with a serious offer, Spurs might be inclined to do business rather than risk losing Son for free in 2026.
MLS teams have also gotten creative when financing superstar acquisitions. We’ve seen joint sponsorship agreements, increased league support for global stars, and other mechanisms since the Beckham era. In Son’s case, LAFC could potentially partner with Korean companies or other sponsors to defray some costs. The designated player rule exists exactly for scenarios like this - to allow clubs to splash on global stars without blowing up the tightly regulated salary structure. LAFC’s financial status have been increased by recent success and the sale of some players, especially by winning around $11 million in the Club World Cup. In short, while signing Son would be among the biggest financial commitments in MLS history, it appears somewhat feasible. Los Angeles is known for big deals, and if they believe Son Heung-min is the player to keep them at the top of the league, they may well justify the expense.
Final verdict, Does the Transfer Make Sense?
Considering all of the above, would this transfer be a good move? In my eyes, yes - with some caveats. From LAFC’s perspective, signing Son Heung-min makes a world of sense. They have a championship-caliber tea and an opening for a new star to carry the torch with Olivier Giroud leaving. Son would instantly provide quality and energy on (and off) the field, which comes with marketability off of that. He fits the club’s ambitions, attacking, transitional based, and pressing football. This move would keep LAFC in the conversation with the likes of Inter Mimai (with Messi) and other big-market teams making waves. There is always risk in signing an older player to a lucrative deal - injuries or decline in form could make it backfire, but Son has been remarkably consistent and fit throughout his whole career, which LAFC needs. You need to remember, LAFC shifts around the team a lot during the off season, since their 2022 MLS Cup win, only two players left from that team are still there. This deal wouldn’t be worth it if Son only stayed a year or two. Though Son’s professionalism is well-documented, and he would likely embrace the role of being a team leader in Los Angeles. In terms of recouping the investment, LAFC would likely see spikes in attendance, merchandise, and possibly even new sponsorship deals. For a club that already has a strong local following, adding global appeal only strengthens their brand. In competitive terms, pairing Son with their existing core could make LAFC favorites to win the MLS cup again in the near future.
For Son Heung-min, the calculus is a bit more personal. Leaving the Premier League - the world’s most watched league for MLS is a big step down in competitive level. Son has long expressed loyalty to Tottenham and a desire to compete at the highest level. However, Spurs are in a transitional phase, and Son has already achieved a great deal there. If he feels his role in London would be rudced under the new regime, a move to MLS could reinvigorate him, and Stars from Tottenham have already been going recently with the likes of Hugo Lloris and Harry Kane. In Los Angeles, he would be the centerpiece of the team, adored by fans and relatively free from the British media pressure cooker. The lifestyle in SoCal is another draw: many players enjoy the pleasant climate, and for Son there’s the added benefit of a sizable Korean community and closer time zones to family back in Asia. Importantly, MLS is growing in size - it’s no longer just a retirement league. After Messi’s arrival and with the 2026 World Cup coming to North America, son could view this as an opportunity to make a mark for Asian players on a new continent, much like he did in the Premier League. Financially, while he might earn a bit less in base salary than a hypothetical Saudi Pro League offer, he could still be very well paid and perhaps find more endorsement opportunities in the U.S. market, as we’ve seen with stars going to Saudi Arabia, that ticket sales are low and most of the time they’re slowly forgotten about.
There’s a few cautionary points. Son would be one of the most high-profile players to move from the Premier League to MLS in recent memory - expectations would be enormous. Every MLS team would give LAFC their best shot, and Son would have to adapt to long travel and some rougher pitches, as well as pitches with artificial turf in them. Additionally, if his primary motivation is to continue at the very highest competitive level, he might prefer a move to a Champions League club or even a short stint in another European league. But if his priorities are shifting towards new experiences, global ambassadorial role, and setting himself up for the end of his career, LAFC checks a lot of boxes, especially if Son wants to pursue coaching after his retirement.
In Conclusion, the rumors linking Son to LAFC are more than just chatter - there are concrete reasons why this move could happen and work out well. LAFC have a Designated Player slot available and big ambitions, and Son is a global star potentially ready for a new chapter. Borth parties here stand to gain tremendously: LAFC would get a proven world-class player in his early 30s who can lead them on and off the pitch, and Son would get the chance to be the face of a franchise in a city that would embrace him. There are hurdles to clear - a transfer fee to negotiate with Tottenham, and Son’s own willingness to leave elite European football - but as of now at the time of writing, “Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min (33) is reportedly in serious negotiations with LAFC” according to Chosun Biz. Hopefully this year we’ll see black-and-gold kits with SON 7, and one of Asia’s greatest athletes turning MLS into a top 5 league.
I could see the probability of this happening, around ~35 %.