BREAKING: Son Heung-min to Fly to LA on August 5 to Finalise LAFC Move in Record-Breaking MLS Deal

Son Heung-min is scheduled to fly to Los Angeles on the evening of August 5 (Korean time) to finalise his transfer to LAFC, marking the end of a decade-long spell at Tottenham Hotspur and the beginning of a new chapter in Major League Soccer.

LAFC dispatched a delegation to Seoul during Tottenham’s summer tour to finalise negotiations with both the club and the player’s representatives. Personal terms and transfer fees were fully agreed during these meetings.

Relentless Pursuit from LAFC

The pursuit began earlier this summer when LAFC made their intentions clear during a video meeting while Son was on holiday in Korea. Further discussions took place in London, where Son had returned for pre-season training, with LAFC officials flying in to advance talks and negotiate directly with Spurs.

Tottenham were initially inclined to accept more lucrative offers from Saudi Arabian clubs, with some bids reportedly reaching up to €50 million. However, Son, who had long expressed a preference for a move to the United States should he leave Europe, was granted his wish in recognition of his loyalty and service to the club over ten years.

Though Spurs originally valued the deal at €30 million for an MLS-bound transfer, they eventually agreed to a figure closer to €20 million to accommodate the player’s preference. If confirmed, the deal could become the most expensive in MLS history, potentially eclipsing the current record of $22 million paid by Atlanta United to sign Emmanuel Latte Lath from Middlesbrough in February 2025.

A Strategic Move for Country and Career

The move also reflects Son’s strategic long-term planning. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup taking place in North America and the 2028 Olympic Games set for Los Angeles, the 33-year-old views LAFC as an ideal environment to prepare both mentally and physically for international challenges. He is also targeting the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia as a potential opportunity to finally lift silverware with South Korea.

While Bayer Leverkusen, Son’s former club, and Serie A champions Napoli under Antonio Conte expressed interest, Son opted for LAFC with a focus on holistic preparation for the final chapter of his career — prioritising longevity, national team commitments, and a meaningful connection with the Korean-American community. Over 320,000 Korean nationals reside in the Greater Los Angeles area, and Son is said to view his move as a way to deepen his impact as a national icon abroad.

The Korean captain’s decision also brings to a close speculation linking him to a January move to Barcelona. Though Champions League football was a possibility, Son reportedly felt his UEFA Europa League triumph with Spurs was a fitting end to his European career. Now, his ultimate ambition is to lead South Korea to new heights: a first Asian Cup title in over six decades, a return to the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2002, and a long-awaited Olympic podium finish.

The final details of the transfer are expected to be completed upon his arrival in Los Angeles later this week.