Hyun Min, my son, is making a significant transition.
After a decade at Tottenham Hotspur, the 33-year-old forward has signed with LAFC in a deal reportedly worth between $20 million and $26 million, as reported by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano and CBS Sports’ Tom Bogert.
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This transfer fee has the potential to break MLS transfer records, potentially surpassing the figures Atlanta United reportedly paid for Emmanuel Lateras in February, though specifics of Hyun Min’s deal remain undisclosed. He could arrive in Los Angeles as soon as next week, but it’s uncertain when he will debut for the team.
Having spent some time in Germany, Hyun Min announced his departure from Tottenham during an emotional press conference on Saturday, calling it the most challenging decision of his career. “I came to North London as a child, just 23 years old. It’s a proud moment for me to leave this club as a grown man who didn’t even speak English,” he shared through the Associated Press.
He bid farewell to the Spurs on Sunday during a friendly match against Newcastle, receiving heartfelt hugs from teammates, coaches, and Newcastle’s staff after being substituted in the 64th minute.
With 173 goals to his name, he stands fifth on Tottenham’s all-time scoring list and has made 454 appearances, which ranks seventh in club history. Since 2023, he has served as the captain of the Spurs.
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Furthermore, Hyun Min played a key role in securing Tottenham Hotspur’s UEFA Europa League title in May, marking the club’s first significant trophy in nearly two decades.
“Winning the Europa League made me feel like I had achieved everything I could here,” he commented during the press conference on Saturday. “We need a new environment for fresh challenges.”
This new adventure takes him to LAFC, a team currently navigating a challenging Western conference with a record of 10-6-6, sitting 10 points behind leaders San Diego FC.
As he prepares for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, being in the U.S. is another important consideration for my son, who has been a key player for the South Korean national team for 15 years.
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“My main focus right now is the World Cup. Given that it could be my last, I want to fully embrace this opportunity,” he expressed at the news conference.
He has been the captain of South Korea since 2019 and remains among the top goal-scorers and appearance holders in the national team’s history.
This transfer also reunites him with former Spurs teammate Hugo Lloris, who joined LAFC last year.
Fan Take: This move not only signifies a major shift for Hyun Min but also highlights the growing competitiveness of MLS, suggesting that the league is becoming increasingly attractive for top international talents. As soccer fans, we can expect his presence to elevate the visibility of the sport in the U.S., especially with the World Cup on the horizon.
