Son Heung-min is coming to MLS.
It’s one of Major League Soccer’s biggest signings since Messi, and for a potentially record breaking fee, too. The price is said to be around the £20 million mark, so even if it doesn’t break the record, it’s going to be close.
It’s LAFC who are acquiring the Tottenham Hotspur legend, who has spent the last decade as one of the best players in the Premier League, even helping Spurs to their first trophy in 17 years – the Europa League.
It’s yet more proof that MLS is a destination league for world-class players who want to elongate their careers. For LAFC, it could even be the key to their next MLS Cup victory.
Son is still in exceptional form. He scored 11 goals last season in a struggling Tottenham side, so he could easily do better in the US where the standard is not as tough. He’s in good company too, with the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, Thomas Müller, Christian Benteke, Emil Forsberg and more all being other examples of world class players who chose MLS for the later stages of their careers.
I think Son is a perfect fit for LAFC and for MLS in general. Here is why.
Son Not Past His Best
Son may be 33 (just), but this is not a player cashing in before retirement. Son is a fierce competitor who wants to win. He has single-handedly saved Tottenham’s bacon on numerous occasions, and has professional integrity in spades.
Make no mistake: Son Heung-min has come to MLS to compete.
He’s in the last stage of his career, that much is true, but he has come to MLS for a final challenge, not a final payday. He had interest from Bayern Munich (he began his career in Germany) and multiple Saudi Clubs where he could have undoubtedly earned more. He chose LAFC. Why?
LAFC are genuine contenders. For regional dominance, for domestic silverware, and for international competitions. The club won the MLS Cup in 2022 and the US open in 2024. They win stuff, and they want to continue winning stuff. That’s an attractive proposition for a player like Son.
In other words, they aren’t signing him just to sell jerseys. They need more firepower now Carlos Vela has retired, and while Son plays on the left rather than the right, he certainly adds threat in front of goal. If he can create a partnership with Bouanga LAFC could have a good 2 or 3 seasons causing real problems to their opposition.
Messi is currently 38 and still lighting up the league, so it’s not exactly a stretch to suggest that Son Heung-min could be around for a while. I would image LAFC are expecting so given the amount they paid for him.
A Great Fit for LAFC
The signing of Son isn’t just about picking a star name and crowbarring him into the existing team. Son is genuinely a good fit for Steve Cherundolo’s system.
LAFC favour speed, verticality, and quick transitions – almost the exact conditions in which Son has thrived in the Premier League and internationally to some degree. He can add a few key ingredients to the black and gold squad too: whether he is employed on the left or through the centre, he brings intelligent movement, composure, and a ruthless eye for goal. LAFC are already a team that scores a lot, and if Son works for them, he could help them become the highest scoring team in the league.
He’s an equally good fit off the pitch. LA is home to the largest Korean population in the US, and Son is quite literally a national hero in his home country. He is the leader of the national team and has over 130 caps. When his transfer was announced, LAFC’s socials exploded, and they are sure to benefit from increased fan base and improved merchandise sales.
Heung-min Son to LAFC, here we go! Verbal agreement in place between all parties.
Son, ready to complete his move to MLS with Spurs due to receive fee in excess of €15m.
Son didn’t travel back to UK with Spurs squad as he’s waiting for documents to be signed with LAFC. pic.twitter.com/a0MpvptPcy
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 3, 2025
This really is an intelligent signing for the black and gold. Son connects directly with Asian markets that MLS has struggled to engage with, while his clean cut image, humility, and media savvy make him a dream for sponsors. He’s a dream signing in marketing terms, but he can still deliver on the pitch, too.
So he ticks every box. He’s the player they need on the pitch and in the dressing room – just think of all the experience he brings and what he can teach the younger players – and he’s great for the club’s fan relations, especially the local South Korean community and the Asian soccer fanbase globally.
I really hope the move works out for all parties, and I think it will.