Report: LAFC eye summer move as Spurs legend future remains uncertain | OneFootball

Could LAFC Really Lure Son Heung-min From Tottenham?

Son’s Tottenham Legacy Faces Uncertain End

Los Angeles FC’s renewed interest in Tottenham icon Son Heung-min is stirring up headlines — and emotions. According to The Athletic, the MLS side are “pushing hard” to sign the 33-year-old forward, who may no longer be central to new Spurs boss Thomas Frank’s long-term vision.

Though talks are still ongoing and no breakthrough has been reached, one source indicated that LAFC hope to persuade Son to join before the MLS secondary transfer window closes on 21 August. The South Korean star, a beloved figure at Spurs and across Asia, may be set for a surprise departure after finally winning his first trophy with the club — the UEFA Europa League in May 2025.

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Son’s glittering Spurs career includes finishing as Premier League runner-up in 2017, Champions League finalist in 2019, and reaching the Carabao Cup final in 2021. Yet despite his consistent goal output — eight straight seasons hitting double figures — his form dipped slightly last term, registering seven goals and nine assists in 30 league games.

Frank Faces ‘Tricky’ Decision

In a press conference that hinted at a shift, new Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank said the situation was delicate.

That comment feels telling. It suggests Son’s importance may be waning under Frank, not because of ability, but due to age and tactical evolution.

Commercial and Cultural Power in Los Angeles

There’s no doubt about Son’s appeal to LAFC. Los Angeles has the largest Korean population in the U.S., and his arrival would deliver an immense commercial boost. With Hugo Lloris already at LAFC, a reunion could sweeten the deal.

He could become the second headline-making arrival in MLS this summer after Rodrigo De Paul’s move to Inter Miami. LAFC also have two open Designated Player spots following Olivier Giroud’s departure, giving them room to manoeuvre.

Tottenham’s Asia Tour Complicates Timing

Son’s value to Spurs isn’t just on the pitch. A report from The Telegraph claims Tottenham could lose up to 75% of their match fee for the Seoul leg of their Asia tour if Son doesn’t travel. That could delay or derail any potential deal — at least temporarily.

Spurs face Arsenal in Hong Kong on 31 July and Newcastle in Seoul on 3 August. Son’s presence is vital, not only for fan engagement, but also financially.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Spurs fan’s viewpoint, this report triggers a bittersweet feeling. On one hand, Son Heung-min is a club legend. His loyalty, goals, and professionalism have earned him a revered status at Tottenham. The idea of him leaving — especially to MLS — marks the end of an era. But on the other hand, perhaps it’s the right time.

At 33, Son still has quality, but his pace has dipped and his role is shifting. With Ange Postecoglou gone and Thomas Frank ushering in a new approach, Son may not feature as regularly. If LAFC are offering a lucrative move, guaranteed playing time, and a reunion with Lloris in a city with a huge Korean community, who could begrudge him that?

Ultimately, if Son leaves, fans will celebrate what he gave rather than dwell on what might have been. It’s important that Spurs handle this properly, giving him the send-off he deserves. But if LAFC do land him, it’s hard not to admire the ambition — and acknowledge that Son might just light up MLS in a whole new way.