“Sonny in LA”: Son signs MLS record deal with LAFC
Son Heung-min, a South Korean attacker who spent ten years at Tottenham Hotspur, declared that he is “here to win” after joining Los Angeles FC for a record Major League Soccer transfer fee.
On Wednesday, Son was unveiled at LAFC’s BMO Stadium, where he was met by municipal officials and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass as 3252, a group of supporters, drummed and chanted.
“It’s a dream come true,” I said. At his unveiling, Son told reporters, “LA, what a city.”
Neither team revealed the transfer’s financial terms, but according to the Athletic, LAFC paid a sum of about $26.5 million for the 33-year-old.
Son acknowledged that LAFC was not his first choice, but he gave credit to John Thorrington, the club’s general manager and co-president, for convincing him to change teams.
“He simply altered my heart, mind, and brain. Son, who was there at LAFC’s 2-1 victory over Tigres UANL on Tuesday night, stated, “He showed me where I should be and now I’m here and I’m so, so excited.”
“I’m here to win, I will perform and I will definitely show you some exciting football, and we will definitely have success,” he stated.
Given that LAFC’s stadium is situated directly south of Koreatown, the relocation is anticipated to be well received by the city’s sizable Korean community.
Son joins the ranks of other international players who have joined LAFC, such as Hugo Lloris and Gareth Bale, former Tottenham teammates, Olivier Giroud, Giorgio Chiellini, and Carlos Vela.
Son, who joined Tottenham from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015, helped the north London team defeat Manchester United 1-0 in the May Europa League final to earn their first trophy in 17 years.
In the 2021–22 season, the former Spurs captain won the Premier League Golden Boot after making 454 appearances and scoring 173 goals.
“NEW CHALLENGE”
When Son thought back on leaving Tottenham, he called the move “very emotional.”
“I felt like I needed a new chapter, I needed a new challenge and I chose LAFC,” he stated.
“You could argue that I’m old, yet I still have good physical attributes, legs, and other qualities.
“I’m here to compete, of course, but I also want to help some young players get better by giving them some advise.
“I’m eager… Together, let’s take home the trophy.
When Son will make his debut for the Black and Gold, who are now sixth in the Western Conference and will travel to play the Chicago Fire on Saturday, was not immediately clear.
Thorrington of LAFC referred to the signing of Son as a “historic” day for the team.
“Sonny is a world class talent, a global icon of football and we’re thrilled that he has chosen to write the next chapter of his remarkable career with us here at LAFC,” he stated.
After an emotional farewell to Spurs during a friendly match against Newcastle United at Seoul World Cup Stadium, Son, who has received 134 caps for South Korea, joins LAFC.
In a club statement, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said, “Sonny has given so much to this club, both on and off the pitch, and for that we are forever grateful.”
“We wish him all the best for the future, and he will always be welcome back as a beloved and cherished member of our Spurs family.”
