Son Heung-Min touches down in LA: What his blockbuster move means for MLS

In a move that’s shaken the football world and delighted fans across continents, Tottenham legend Son Heung-Min has officially joined LAFC — and it’s the biggest deal in Major League Soccer history.

The end of an era in North London

After ten seasons in a Spurs shirt, 33-year-old Son leaves behind a legacy built on loyalty, brilliance, and a whole lot of goals. With 173 goals and 101 assists across 454 appearances, his impact at Tottenham is carved into club history. His departure comes just months after leading the club to their Europa League final victory over Manchester United in May — a fitting swan song to a glittering Premier League career.

For many, the moment felt inevitable. With Harry Kane already at Bayern Munich and Spurs in a rebuilding phase, Son’s goodbye marks the end of a golden chapter for the club.

But few expected the next chapter to open under California sunshine.

LAFC makes history — and a statement

LAFC confirmed Son’s arrival on Wednesday, sealing a deal reportedly worth $26 million — smashing the previous MLS transfer record set by Atlanta United’s signing of Emmanuel Latte Lath.

The Korean superstar arrives as a designated player on a contract running through 2027, with potential to stay until 2029. At LAFC, he reunites with former Spurs captain Hugo Lloris, adding both familiarity and firepower to a squad currently sitting sixth in the Western Conference.

Club executives are already hailing him as a transformative signing.

“Sonny is a global icon,” said LAFC co-president John Thorrington. “He is a proven winner and a world-class individual. We are confident he will elevate our club and inspire our community — both on and off the pitch.”

From Seoul to Los Angeles

The move also marks a personal milestone for Son, who said goodbye to Spurs fans during a friendly in his home country of South Korea just days before the deal was finalised.

“Los Angeles has such a rich history of champions, and I am here to help write the next chapter,” Son said in his LAFC announcement. “I’ve come to lift trophies and give everything for this club, this city, and its fans.”

His decision to join MLS, rather than a club in Europe or Asia, signals how far the league has come in positioning itself as a serious destination — not just for ageing stars, but for elite players still capable of competing at the highest level.

A cultural icon joins a global league

Son isn’t just a footballer — he’s a global brand. In South Korea, he’s a national hero. In London, he was adored for his humility as much as his sharp shooting. And now in Los Angeles — a city where sport, celebrity, and culture collide — he’s stepping onto a different kind of stage.

On social media, Korean fans expressed both pride and sadness. One Twitter user wrote, “He leaves as a legend. Tottenham will never be the same.” Another added, “LAFC just became the most-watched MLS club in Asia overnight.”

And they’re probably right.

What this means for MLS

This isn’t just a headline-grabbing transfer. It’s a power move for the league.

With Lionel Messi drawing global attention to Inter Miami, and now Son Heung-Min bringing a massive Asian audience to LAFC, MLS is rapidly evolving. The competition is no longer just a post-retirement playground — it’s becoming a serious global football market.

If LAFC can surround Son with the right support and push for silverware, his move may be remembered as a turning point — not just in his career, but in the trajectory of the league itself.

One thing’s for sure: The MLS spotlight just got a whole lot brighter. And Son Heung-Min isn’t here to fade into the background. He’s here to win.

Source:ESPN Africa 

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com