LAFC Shatters MLS History with Blockbuster Son Heung-min Signing
LAFC has officially announced the acquisition of Tottenham Hotspur sensation Son Heung-min in a record-breaking MLS deal.
The Black and Gold formally presented their marquee acquisition at BMO Stadium just 24 hours after Son's arrival in the United States. LAFC invested $26.5 million to secure the South Korean attacker's services, establishing a new MLS transfer benchmark.
Atlanta United had previously held the league's transfer record with their $22 million acquisition of Emmanuel Latte Lath in February, but Son's move to LAFC now stands as the most expensive in MLS history.
Son has committed to LAFC through 2027, with potential extensions until 2029, following ten years at Tottenham. The 33-year-old departed north London having made 454 appearances and scored 173 goals. His final achievement with Spurs was helping secure the 2024–25 Europa League title, breaking the club's 17-year trophy drought.
Son delivered an emotional goodbye to Tottenham before the LAFC reveal, beginning a fresh phase of his career. He was observed watching from the stands at BMO Stadium as LAFC secured a 2–1 victory over Tigres UANL in Leagues Cup competition, and is now officially part of the Black and Gold roster.
"I'm tremendously excited to join LAFC, an organization with significant aspirations in one of the world's most legendary sports cities," Son stated.
"Los Angeles boasts such an impressive legacy of champions, and I'm here to contribute to the next chapter. I'm thrilled about this fresh opportunity in MLS. I've come to L.A. to capture trophies and dedicate everything to this club, this city, and its supporters. I'm eager to begin."
Son's move to Los Angeles provides exactly the reinforcement LAFC requires to return to championship contention. Steve Cherundolo's squad currently occupies sixth place in the Western Conference table, well below their 2022 Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup-winning standards.
A talent with Son's vision and goal-scoring prowess will energize an LAFC offense that has managed just two goals or more in only two of their previous six matches across all tournaments.
"Sonny is a worldwide superstar and among the most explosive and decorated players in international football," stated LAFC Co-President & General Manager John Thorrington. "His drive, talent, and personality match perfectly with our principles at LAFC. We're honored that he's selected Los Angeles for his career's next phase. Sonny is a championship winner and world-class person, and we're certain he'll enhance our organization and motivate our community—both on and off the field."
Son now adds to the extensive roster of former European legends, including Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and Thomas Müller, competing in MLS. The forward will aim to deliver performance justifying his transfer fee as LAFC seeks to move beyond Olivier Giroud's disappointing tenure in Black and Gold.