LAFC Pursues Tottenham Star Son Heung-min for Summer Signing

Los Angeles FC (LAFC) is intensifying efforts to secure a summer transfer for Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min, as the Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise seeks to bolster its roster ahead of the 2025 season. Sources familiar with the negotiations reveal that while discussions are ongoing, a resolution has yet to be reached. The MLS secondary transfer window opens on July 24 and will remain active until August 21, providing LAFC with a limited timeframe to finalize the deal.

Son, 33, has long been a pivotal figure at Tottenham, yet current management under Thomas Frank appears to be reassessing the squad's composition. Frank acknowledged the complexities surrounding players with substantial tenures at clubs during a recent press briefing. "Right now, I have a player who is fully committed and training well, and will play tomorrow," he stated, addressing rumors regarding Son's future. The implication is that while Son's skills remain undisputed, his role may be shifting within the club.

The South Korean international recently celebrated a significant achievement, winning the UEFA Europa League title with Tottenham in May. Son's history in the Premier League includes multiple near-misses, finishing as a runner-up in the league as well as the Champions League. As Tottenham embarks on a pre-season tour of Asia, playing matches against Arsenal in Hong Kong and Newcastle in Seoul, Son's participation is deemed critical. Reports indicate that his absence could adversely affect Spurs financially, impacting up to 75% of their tour-related income should he not play.

LAFC currently has two designated player slots available following the termination of Olivier Giroud's contract. The potential acquisition of Son would not only enhance the team’s competitive edge but also serve as a significant commercial asset, especially given the large Korean population in Los Angeles—estimated at around 320,000, according to the Pew Research Center.

In addition to Son, LAFC is expected to announce the signing of Rodrigo de Paul, further strengthening its squad for the current campaign. Should the deal with Son materialize, it would mark a reunion with former Tottenham teammate Hugo Lloris, who joined LAFC in 2024 and has already made 52 league appearances.

Currently positioned fifth in the Western Conference, LAFC's playoff aspirations are bolstered by several games in hand, thanks to their participation in the FIFA Club World Cup. The franchise is keen to capitalize on this momentum by securing high-profile players like Son, who is widely regarded as one of the top performers in the Premier League over the past decade, consistently scoring double digits in goals across eight consecutive seasons prior to last year's dip in form. His commercial appeal and on-field prowess would undoubtedly make him one of the most significant signings in MLS history.