This summer , Los Angeles FC sought to bring in new talent to enhance their roster. After a lengthy pursuit of Thomas Müller , who ultimately signed with the Vancouver Whitecaps after leaving Bayern Munich, the LAFC management quickly pivoted toward Son Heung-min . According to reports on June 17, the South Korean star was ready for a change after ten successful years at Tottenham Hotspur , disappointed by the lack of an extension offer from the club.
Throughout his time at Spurs, Son had established himself as a vital asset to the team. However, with key players like Harry Kane and Hugo Lloris leaving, Son felt increasingly isolated in the locker room. Following the conclusion of the summer tour in Asia — where he holds considerable popularity — he announced his departure from Tottenham on August 2, stating, _“I arrived in northern London when I was a child. I did not speak English. I leave this club as a young man.”_
The Sound Machine Is Already Launched
In his farewell message, Son expressed heartfelt gratitude: _“Thank you to all the supporters of the Spurs who gave me so much love. This is the most difficult decision I made in my career. The main reason is that I accomplished everything I could at Tottenham. I now need a new environment to take up a new challenge.”_ Eventually, he settled on joining LAFC on August 6, signing a contract until June 2027, with options for two additional years. Although this was not initially his first choice, he expressed his excitement about playing in MLS .
Only four days after putting pen to paper, he made his debut against Chicago Fire , contributing an assist in just 29 minutes of play. His first starting match came on August 17 against the New England Revolution , where he again demonstrated his value as a playmaker. A week later, on August 24, he scored his first goal for the club against FC Dallas . Although his performance fell short in a 2-1 defeat against San Diego on September 1, he quickly bounced back, scoring against the San Jose Earthquakes on September 14 and delivering an impressive hat-trick in a 4-1 victory against Real Salt Lake shortly thereafter. Over the course of six matches and 465 minutes, Son registered 5 goals and 2 assists , highlighting his rapid adaptation to the American game.
Everyone Is Already Won Over
After achieving a hat-trick, Son remarked, _“It’s incredible to succeed with my first hat-trick in MLS. I am very happy and grateful to everyone. Even if I don’t score, I enjoy playing for this club and achieving a good outcome.”_ His performance has captivated fans and teammates alike. His forward partner, Denis Bouanga , praised Son, saying, _“Heung-min’s arrival has allowed for more space in the attack. He is a perfect partner.”_ Additionally, LAFC’s coach Steve Cherundolo expressed his excitement: _“The attack on our team has gained flexibility thanks to Heung-min Son and Bouanga, two leading players.”_
The American sports media has taken note of Son’s outstanding debut in MLS. The New York Times even featured him prominently, stating, _“Heung-min Son has continued his excellent form since his arrival in MLS, marking an impressive hat-trick during the victory against Real Salt Lake. He quickly found North American football to his liking and his efforts have propelled LAFC to rank fourth in the Western Conference.”_ With six games remaining in the regular season, he shows no signs of slowing down, contributing to South Korea’s success in a friendly against the United States earlier this month.
The blend of talent, adaptability , and a desire for new challenges has already made Son a fan favorite in Los Angeles. Expectations are high, and the player himself seems eager to take on new obstacles, proving that his move to LAFC could redefine not only his career but also impact Major League Soccer as a whole. Los Angeles has welcomed him with open arms, and as he continues to shine on the field, the future looks bright for both Son and LAFC.
Pub. THE
– Maj the