Son Heung-min joins LAFC in record MLS move after emotional Tottenham farewell
Son Heung-min, Tottenham’s heart and soul for the past decade, has officially departed - stepping off North London’s stage and into the Southern California sun with a blockbuster move to LAFC.
In a press conference ahead of a pre-season friendly in South Korea, Son admitted that this was “the most difficult decision” of his career.
He described arriving at Spurs at just 23 - barely speaking English - and the sheer weight of emotion tied to saying goodbye.
He spoke of lifelong friendships, becoming club captain, and carrying Spurs in his heart.
An MLS record and a legend’s farewell
The transfer broke records. LAFC paid over £20 million for Son in a two-year deal, making him the most expensive signing in Major League Soccer history.
The fee is eye-watering on paper, but anyone who’s ever watched him glide down the wing or curl home an unstoppable strike knows he’s worth every penny.
After 454 games and 101 assists, he leaves Spurs with 173 goals, putting him fourth on the list of Spurs' all-time record goalscorers - behind only Harry Kane, Jimmy Greaves and Bobby Smith - cementing himself as a club legend.
According to Sky Sports, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy said: "Sonny is one of the greatest players to ever wear the famous Lilywhite shirt and he has been a joy to watch over the past decade.
“Not only is he a wonderfully gifted footballer, but he's also an incredible human being who has touched hearts and inspired people throughout the Club and all over the world.”
Son lifted the Europa League trophy in Bilbao in May 2025, ending a 17-year wait for Spurs and bringing home their first major honour in years.
"The Europa League triumph in Bilbao was a truly magical moment in the club's history and Sonny lifting the trophy is a perfect lasting memory from his fantastic decade at Tottenham Hotspur.”
READ MORE: Premier League news: Who will be the first EPL manager to leave his post in the 2025/26 season?
In his own words
Son took to Instagram to express his gratitude to Tottenham, writing: "How to find the right words for this? I don't know. I have been thinking for days. It's impossible. But here I go.
"It's time for me to say goodbye to Tottenham Hotspur. My home for the past decade. When I arrived in 2015, I didn't speak English, I didn't know London, but you welcomed me with open arms, believed in me, and stood by me through every high and low.
"I was just a boy from Korea with big dreams who was supposed to have no chance. And now, 10 years later, North London is in my heart forever.
"I've made friends for life here, had the honour of becoming a godfather here, and had the privilege of captaining our special club here. I've poured my heart and soul into this club, which makes this the hardest decision ever.
"I thought if I was ever going to leave, it would have to be on my terms, on the best terms, when our mission had been accomplished together. With pride and honour."
Son will always be remembered as the one who stayed. But now, the football world will watch with hearts full, wishing him nothing but the best at LAFC.
READ NEXT: Premier League outright betting preview 2025/26: Liverpool favourites to edge Arsenal, Man City
