Son Heung-min Set to Join LAFC in Deal Worth $20-27m After Turning Down Leverkusen Return

Los Angeles FC are on the verge of completing one of the most high-profile signings in MLS history, with Tottenham Hotspur’s Son Heung-min set to join the club in a deal expected to be worth between $20 million and $27 million.

According to Tom Bogert of GIVEMESPORT, LAFC are currently in advanced negotiations with Spurs, aiming to secure the South Korean captain’s signature for around $20 million (£15m). While Tottenham are hoping for a fee closer to $27 million (£20m), this still represents a significant drop from the initial $40 million (£30m) price tag they previously quoted to Saudi Arabian clubs earlier in the summer.

Personal terms between Son and LAFC have been agreed in principle, and a club delegation has travelled to South Korea, where Son is expected to make his final appearance for Tottenham against Newcastle United on August 3. The fixture is part of a commercial obligation, and sources say a deal could be finalised swiftly after that match.

Son is expected to become one of the highest-paid players in MLS history, potentially surpassing Sergio Busquets' current $8.7 million salary at Inter Miami. TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey adds that Son’s designated player spot was freed by Olivier Giroud’s departure in July, paving the way for LAFC’s move.

Though Son had offers from the Saudi Pro League and attracted interest from clubs in Germany and Italy, he has reportedly prioritised LAFC’s sporting project and lifestyle. Football-Asian.com understands that his former club Bayer 04 Leverkusen considered a reunion following the departures of key attacking players this summer, but Son declined the interest.

In Italy, Napoli were also credited with strong interest. The Serie A giants, in the wake of Kim Min-jae’s transfer to Bayern Munich, have been actively monitoring Asian talent. Football-Asian.com sources indicate that Napoli not only tracked Hwang In-beom but also attempted to sign Lee Kang-in of PSG. Napoli’s need to bolster their wing options after Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s exit made Son an attractive target.

Talks between Son and LAFC have been ongoing since earlier this summer, when Tottenham reportedly told the player he could leave under the right circumstances.

Tom Bogert reports that Son has already informed LAFC of his desire to join, and with both salary and personal terms essentially agreed, finalising the fee remains the last step. MLS officials reportedly view Son as a major coup — a marquee name who still has plenty of football left and enormous commercial appeal.

If completed, the transfer would come close to the league-record $22 million (plus add-ons) Atlanta United paid for Emmanuel Latte Lath earlier this year, making Son one of the most expensive and highest-profile players in MLS history.