The day has finally arrived. After weeks of rumors, Instagram stalking, and an officially goodbye to his former club Tottenham, LAFC has today made it officially, official. The club has announced the signing of Korean superstar striker, Son Heung-Min to a contract that will last through 2027. The deal also comes with an option for 2028 as well as a second option that could see him here through June 2029. Son will occupy an international roster slot and be eligible to play upon receipt of his P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
A new era begins in Black & Gold. pic.twitter.com/en416SNl6c
— LAFC (@LAFC) August 6, 2025
“Sonny is a global icon and one of the most dynamic and accomplished players in world football,” said LAFC Co-President & General Manager John Thorrington in a statement. “His ambition, ability, and character align perfectly with our values at LAFC. We are proud that he has chosen Los Angeles for the next chapter of his extraordinary career. Sonny is a proven winner and a world-class individual, and we are confident he will elevate our club and inspire our community – both on and off the pitch.”
Son becomes the latest in a distinguished line of international football stars to join LAFC, following in the footsteps of Carlos Vela, Giorgio Chiellini, Olivier Giroud, and former Tottenham teammates Gareth Bale and Hugo Lloris.
“I’m incredibly proud to be joining LAFC, a club with big ambitions in one of the most iconic sports cities in the world,” Son said in a statement. “Los Angeles has such a rich history of champions, and I am here to help write the next chapter. I’m excited for this new challenge in MLS. I have come to L.A. to lift trophies and give everything for this club, this city, and its fans. I cannot wait to get started.”
While it feels like everyone who even has the most basic of football knowledge knows who Son is, there are some out there who do not, under any circumstance, follow the European game, or perhaps they live under a rock. Either way, for those who may not know, Son has spent the last 10-years with Tottenham Hotspur Football Club in England. He has tallied 173 goals across all competitions, 101 assists across all competitions, and became the first-ever Asian player to win the English Premier League Golden Boot in the 2021-22 season, all while playing for Spurs. Son is currently the captain of South Korea where he has featured in three World Cup competitions, with over 130 appearances and 51 goals for his National Team, is currently one of their top scorers.
“Bringing Sonny to LAFC and to our city has been a dream of ours for several years,” LAFC Lead Managing Owner Bennett Rosenthal said in a statement. “My partners and I are huge admirers of Sonny the player and Sonny the person. His signing is a statement of our commitment to excellence on the pitch and our ambition to continue to build our reputation as a world class club on the global football stage. Sonny as a player and person will inspire not only our fans in LA and the incredible community in Southern California, but millions of fans around the world.”
While many signings for LAFC have come with their fair share amount of hype and expectations, this one is very different. At 33-years-old Son is still very much in his prime as a striker. A player that not only scores goals, but creates magic. He was instrumental in securing the Europa League trophy, helping to break a 17-year trophy drought for Tottenham. As crazy as it may seem though, Los Angeles comes with a bit of added pressure. He will be expected to perform immediately, and with LAFC struggling to find offense and get a string of wins in the MLS at the moment, he will be looked at to help produce and lead this team right away as the expectation for the black & gold remains, winning the MLS Cup. It’s rare that a new player ever comes into a situation and hits the ground running, but if anyone can do it, it will be Son. The only questions remaining are when he gets that first start, and how long we will have to wait for that first goal. Excitement is palpable for a reason with this signing, as it could very well turn the tide not just on the future ahead, but on the season as it stands now.
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