Hyun Min, son of the former Tottenham Hotspur captain, arrived in Los Angeles on Tuesday and is set to remain there for an extended period.
He received a warm reception at Los Angeles International Airport and during Tuesday’s LAFC match, amid speculation regarding his move to the MLS team for a record-breaking transfer fee of $206.5 million. Tottenham confirmed the transfer on Wednesday, with his son formally introduced as an LAFC player.
“I felt very emotional about this decision. I needed a fresh start and a new challenge, which is why I chose LAFC,” he shared.
“I’m here to compete but also eager to offer guidance to younger players,” he added.
The crowd at BMO Stadium erupted when his image appeared on the big screen Tuesday night.
Approximately 40 fans were present at LAX, celebrating his son’s arrival after a decade at Tottenham, where he gained recognition as one of the best Asian footballers. His status as a national hero in Korea aligns well with LAFC, especially given the significant Korean community in Los Angeles, which has the largest Korean population outside the Korean Peninsula.
The Koreatown district, located just a few miles from BMO Stadium, reflects this strong cultural connection.
“I’m thrilled to be here and excited to connect with all the Korean fans,” his son expressed.
His son’s signing with LAFC marks one of the most impressive acquisitions since Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami two years ago, although the Vancouver Whitecaps made headlines last week by signing Bayern Munich legend Thomas Muller.
Son’s transition to LAFC is a smooth fit. (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP)
(Patrick T. Fallon via Getty Images)
He believes his arrival will draw significant attention to LAFC and enhance their ability to score, as they currently sit sixth in the MLS Western Conference with a 10-6-6 record. Last year, LAFC pursued Olivier Giroud but that attempt fell flat; however, he feels he fits well with their style, though adjustments may be necessary as head coach Steve Cerundro leads the team.
Fan Take: This news is pivotal for soccer fans as it signifies the growing global appeal of MLS, which is attracting top talent and increasing competition. The presence of such a celebrated player could elevate the sport’s profile in the U.S. and further engage fans, especially within vibrant communities like Los Angeles’s Koreatown.
