Son Heung-Min Set to Leave Tottenham Hotspur with Next Club Already Decided – Report | OneFootball

Son Heung-min Closing in on LAFC Switch Amid Spurs Transition

Son Heung-min is nearing a headline-grabbing move to Major League Soccer, with LAFC pushing hard to land the Tottenham Hotspur forward this summer. As reported by Caught Offside, talks have significantly accelerated in recent days, bringing all parties closer to a deal.

Sources close to the agents industry told Caught Offside that “LAFC [are] in advanced negotiations to sign the Tottenham Hotspur icon,” and the deal could be wrapped up shortly after Spurs face Newcastle United in a friendly in Seoul on August 3.

The timing of the transfer is far from accidental. The club’s marketing efforts in South Korea are strategically linked to Son’s expected farewell appearance, with the match in Seoul seen as a key commercial event for the club before the player departs.

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Spurs Open to Letting Son Go

Tottenham are reportedly open to allowing Son to leave this summer, placing a valuation of €25 million on the 31-year-old. With his contract set to expire in less than a year, the valuation appears modest, especially for a player of Son’s stature and global reach.

Son delivered an impressive campaign in 2024-25, contributing 11 goals and 12 assists as Spurs clinched the Europa League title. Yet, despite his influence, the club appear ready to move forward under new manager Thomas Frank.

Caught Offside notes that “Spurs are believed to have placed a valuation of €25 million on the 31-year-old attacker,” which has understandably encouraged LAFC to accelerate negotiations, aiming to complete one of the most high-profile transfers in MLS history.

Son Prefers MLS Over Saudi Arabia

It is understood that Son had previously received a lucrative offer from a Saudi Arabian club earlier in the summer. However, the South Korean star has shown a clear preference for a move to the United States.

As Caught Offside puts it, “the former Bayer Leverkusen man has made it clear he prefers a move to the United States, where he could make a major impact on and off the pitch while remaining closer to Western football markets and media.”

Son’s focus appears to be on expanding his legacy in a more globally visible league, while maintaining influence in both football and commercial domains. It is a move that makes sense for a player already seen as a cultural icon in Asia and beyond.

Frank Prepared for Outcome

Newly appointed Spurs manager Thomas Frank is said to be “open-minded” about Son’s future. While he would prefer to keep the forward for the 2025-26 season, Frank respects the player’s desire for a new challenge.

According to Caught Offside, “Frank is willing to respect Son’s wishes and allow him to leave if the player feels ready for a new challenge.”

With Son’s final decision expected in the coming days, Tottenham are preparing for a significant shift in their attacking dynamic.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a Spurs supporter, this one stings deeply. Son Heung-min leaving feels like the true end of an era. He’s been more than just a talisman — he’s been the heartbeat of this team, especially during the turbulent times following Harry Kane’s departure.

Letting him go for just €25 million, after the season he’s had, feels like a major undervaluation. Yes, he’s 31, and yes, he may want a slower-paced league, but we’re talking about a Europa League-winning captain who delivered 23 goal contributions last season. That kind of output doesn’t come cheap, especially from someone with Son’s marketability.

It’s even more frustrating given that Thomas Frank has just taken charge. The club should be building a system around players like Son, not selling them off. If we truly want to compete again at the top level, we can’t afford to keep losing our icons.

And let’s be honest, LAFC might be a glamorous destination, but Son still has what it takes to compete in Europe. If this move happens, it will feel like the board have prioritised marketing and clean slates over loyalty and ambition.

Tottenham Hotspur should have fought harder to keep him.