LAFC’s exciting new summer signing, Son Heung-Min, expressed that joining the MLS club is "a dream come true," following his decade-long tenure at Tottenham Hotspur.
"Hello everyone, I’m thrilled to be here. LA, what a city!" Son stated during his introductory press conference in Los Angeles on Wednesday. He expressed gratitude to the ownership, John Torrington (co-president and general manager), and Bennett Rosenthal (lead managing owner) for making this move possible.
"I’m here and feeling fantastic. I’m really looking forward to seeing all the Korean fans outside," he added.
Son has joined LAFC as a designated player with a contract lasting until 2027, with options extending to 2028 and even further into June 2029. Reports suggest the transfer agreement with Spurs is valued at approximately $26 million.
Reflecting on his departure from Tottenham, the two-time player noted it was an emotional choice given his dedication since joining from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015, but he felt ready for a new chapter. "I needed a new challenge, and that’s why I chose LAFC," he said.
"I’m here to play but also eager to mentor younger players," he added.
Following his training with previous clubs during the preseason, he mentioned three World Cup participants are prepared for their MLS debut soon. “I’m in excellent shape after preseason. I’m ready to play, but I need to collaborate with the coaching staff on some preparatory work to get on the field quickly.”
During his time with Tottenham, he became the first Asian player to score 137 goals across all competitions and earn the Premier League Golden Boot in the 2021-22 season. At LAFC, he will reunite with former Spurs teammate Hugo Lloris.
Currently, LAFC sits sixth in the Western Conference standings and will be traveling to face Chicago Fire FC on Saturday.
Fan Take: This signing is significant for soccer fans as it marks the arrival of a top-tier talent into the MLS, raising the league’s profile and attracting heightened international interest. It also offers a fresh storyline for the league as fans anticipate how Son will shape the future of LAFC and the MLS as a whole.
