Son Heung-min Poised for Historic LAFC Move as Tottenham Transfer Talks Heat Up
LAFC appears poised to complete the acquisition of Son Heung-min from Tottenham Hotspur during the current transfer window, following the South Korean star's declaration of his desire to depart the club during Saturday's media briefing.
While no transfer has been officially confirmed and Son remains contracted to Tottenham, the California-based MLS franchise seems determined to pursue the deal and may invest substantial funds to land the 33-year-old forward.
LAFC are reportedly engaged in "advanced discussions" with Spurs concerning a transfer fee, having nearly finalized personal terms with Son regarding his contract, per GiveMeSport's Tom Bogert and Ben Jacobs. The MLS club is believed to be pursuing a $20 million (£15.1 million) agreement, while Tottenham allegedly values their departing skipper nearer to $27 million (£20.3 million).
Nevertheless, the $27 million valuation represents a considerable reduction from the previously-reported $40 million (£30.1 million) figure Spurs demanded from Saudi Arabian teams earlier this transfer period. Tottenham may also be prepared to accept less to facilitate Son's departure from the club.
If the transaction materializes at the $27 million figure, Son would establish a new record as MLS's most expensive incoming transfer, surpassing Atlanta United's $22 million acquisition of Emmanuel Latte Lath. Even at $20 million, Son would claim second position ahead of Kévin Denkey who moved to FC Cincinnati for $16.2 million (£12.6 million) in 2025.
Per the report, LAFC dispatched representatives to South Korea for additional discussions with Son and Spurs before what is widely anticipated as his farewell performance for the club in a preseason fixture against Newcastle United at Seoul's World Cup Stadium.
Upon joining LAFC, Son is anticipated to rank among the league's top earners and will aim to adapt swiftly under manager Steve Cherundolo, who is scheduled to depart the organization following the 2025 MLS campaign.
Presently, LAFC occupies sixth position in the MLS Western Conference with 12 regular season fixtures remaining, and features Denis Bouanga as their top-paid player, earning $3,709,500 in guaranteed compensation.
Son netted 173 goals and recorded 101 assists across 454 appearances for Spurs and contributed to their 2024-25 Europa League triumph, the club's first silverware in 17 years.
LAFC resumes MLS action following the Leagues Cup on Aug. 9 versus Chicago Fire FC.