Will Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur) head to Major League Soccer (MLS) in the U.S. this summer? Reports indicate that he is in transfer negotiations with Los Angeles (LA).
'TBR Football' reported on the 3rd (Korean time) that "Son Heung-min is negotiating with overseas clubs. There are crucial moves underway to bring him from Tottenham. LAFC has discussed a transfer to the U.S. with Tottenham captain Son Heung-min."
The media noted that "MLS clubs are making efforts to finalize a stunning contract to bring the legendary Tottenham captain to BMO Stadium (LAFC's home ground) this summer. While the final decision regarding Son Heung-min's future will be made by the player himself, Tottenham manager Thomas Frank is also inclined to sell him. He now has a significant opportunity to leave Tottenham amid interest from both MLS and Saudi Arabia."
According to reports, LAFC has secured a 'Designated Player' slot for Son Heung-min to join. Recently, veteran forward Olivier Giroud's transfer to Ligue 1 Lille has created an opening that they plan to fill with Son Heung-min.
MLS grants each club up to three Designated Player slots that can exceed the salary cap. Son Heung-min is currently receiving a weekly salary of £190,000 (approximately 353.7 million won) at Tottenham, and with the required transfer fee, a standard contract would not suffice for his acquisition. However, currently, LAFC has two vacant Designated Player slots, so this does not seem like a major obstacle.
Son Heung-min recorded 11 goals and 11 assists in 46 official matches during the 2024-2025 season. He contributed significantly to Tottenham's attack, scoring a total of 22 attacking points, including 7 goals and 9 assists in the Premier League. However, due to injuries and the aging curve, he has not been able to show the same sharpness as before, ending an eight-season streak of double-digit league goals.
Naturally, there are claims that it is time for Son Heung-min to leave. Coincidentally, Tottenham ended a 17-year trophy drought by winning the UEFA Europa League (UEL) last season. Son Heung-min also fulfilled his dream by lifting his first major trophy. It may be the perfect timing for a 'beautiful farewell.'
TBR Football also noted that "Son Heung-min must leave Tottenham as a hero this summer. He should seriously consider leaving North London to lift the Europa League trophy, achieving the best ending possible. Son Heung-min has established his legacy by becoming the first Tottenham captain to win a major trophy since Ledley King in 2008."
The media continued, "However, 32-year-old Son Heung-min's performance showed a downturn last season. There is no doubt that his power is diminishing. Although he still achieved an impressive record of 21 attacking points, his explosiveness and finishing ability have not been as strong as before. The experienced Son Heung-min may struggle to adapt to Frank's fast-paced system and provide dynamics."
The decision is up to Son Heung-min. TBR Football reported that "Frank is not planning to block Son Heung-min's path. He has informed the club of his willingness to sell Son Heung-min." Reports indicate that Son Heung-min is willing to work with Frank, but he is expected to discuss his future with Frank after returning to Hotspur Way (Tottenham’s training ground) for preseason.
The media states, "Son Heung-min will be able to decide his future this summer. However, whether a transfer to the U.S. is appealing to him remains uncertain. Son Heung-min is also attracting interest from Saudi Arabia. However, the prospect of staying in North London to take part in the Champions League one last time may also be quite appealing."
One strong potential destination for Son Heung-min is Saudi Arabia. According to Ben Jacobs of 'Talk Sports,' Al Ahli, Al Nassr, and Al Qadisiya are preparing a hefty transfer fee of €40 million (approximately 63.4 billion won) and a total wage of €90 million (approximately 142.6 billion won) over three years to acquire Son Heung-min. There are predictions that Son Heung-min, who firmly rejected offers two years ago, may make a different choice this time.
Meanwhile, speculation about a move to MLS is rising rapidly. According to British outlet 'Football London,' Son Heung-min himself has shown interest in moving to the U.S. Tottenham intends to respect the decision of their 'club legend' Son Heung-min, making his intentions the most important factor. Coincidentally, Ange Postecoglou, who brought Son Heung-min a championship, is being mentioned as a potential candidate for the next LAFC manager, raising the possibility of a reunion with Son.
If Son Heung-min dons the LAFC jersey, he could face 'soccer god' Lionel Messi as a rival. Messi, who is currently playing for Inter Miami, has a contract that expires at the end of this year. However, according to the 'BBC,' both Inter Miami and MLS firmly believe that they can reach a new deal with Messi.
Messi, the all-time leading scorer (50 goals) for Inter Miami, also wants to remain in the U.S. due to the upcoming 2026 North American World Cup. He continues to lead the Argentina national team as captain and is aiming to participate in the World Cup that is just a year away. Messi dreams of winning consecutive titles in his last World Cup.
Son Heung-min, like Messi, is also the captain of the South Korean national team. Given that the 2026 North American World Cup is likely to be his last, playing in the U.S. may seem even more attractive. Furthermore, the U.S. soccer market has been growing rapidly in recent years, making it a good stage to leverage Son Heung-min's marketing value.
For now, it seems likely that Son Heung-min will continue with Tottenham until the Asia tour wraps up early next month. After that, he may either conclude his ten-year journey with Tottenham or stay for one more year. A clearer picture of his future is likely to emerge from the upcoming meeting between manager Frank and Son Heung-min.
[Photo] René Romano, Tottenham, OneFootball social media.
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