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South Korean football icon Son Heung-min has yet to be officially unveiled as a Los Angeles FC player, but the buzz surrounding his expected arrival in Major League Soccer has already reached fever pitch. On Tuesday, August 5, around 40 eager fans gathered at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in hopes of catching a glimpse of the winger, who recently ended a decade-long chapter with Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur.
Despite their enthusiasm, supporters went home disappointed as Son did not appear in the public arrival area. His departure from Seoul, South Korea, had taken place only a few hours earlier, and it remains unclear exactly when he will land in Los Angeles. Nevertheless, the scene at the airport reflected the excitement building around one of the most high-profile signings in MLS history.
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A Move That’s Already Making Headlines
Although Los Angeles FC has not confirmed the deal, reliable outlets including ESPN and The Athletic report that Son will join the reigning MLS Cup champions for a record-breaking transfer fee of $26 million. This figure would surpass the league’s previous transfer records and underscores both Son’s global stature and LAFC’s ambitions.
If completed, the move will see the 32-year-old replace French striker Olivier Giroud, who left the club for Ligue 1 side Lille in July. Son will also reunite with Hugo Lloris, the French goalkeeper and former Spurs captain who joined LAFC earlier this year.
From Tottenham Legend to MLS Star
Son’s departure from Tottenham was confirmed last weekend during an emotional farewell in Seoul, where the winger openly addressed fans about his decision to take on a new challenge. Over the course of 10 years with Spurs, he became a club legend, scoring 173 goals in 454 appearances and earning a reputation as one of the Premier League’s most consistent and dynamic forwards.
Known for his blistering pace, sharp finishing, and relentless work ethic, Son was also a beloved figure in North London, admired not only for his on-field exploits but also for his humility and charisma off the pitch.
His move to MLS signals a significant career shift — both geographically and competitively — but it also represents an opportunity to elevate the profile of the league in Asia and among global football audiences.
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Fans Already Embracing LAFC’s New Star
Even without an official announcement, Son’s potential arrival has already mobilized supporters in Los Angeles. Some wore LAFC’s black-and-gold jerseys freshly printed with his name, while others carried South Korean flags or Tottenham memorabilia, hoping to get them signed before Son steps onto the pitch in MLS.
For Jun Kwon, a 19-year-old fan who attended the informal airport vigil, Son’s signing would be a game-changer:
Jun proudly displayed a brand-new LAFC jersey, purchased earlier that day and customized with Son’s name and number.
Such stories are not unique — Son’s arrival could spark a surge of interest in LAFC from the Korean-American community and from international fans who follow his career closely.
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A Marketing and Cultural Milestone for MLS
Major League Soccer has been steadily attracting big-name talent over the past decade, with stars such as David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Zlatan Ibrahimović, and Lionel Messi bringing global attention to the league. But Son’s move is unique in several respects.
Firstly, he is arriving not at the twilight of his career, but while still playing at an elite level. His performances for Spurs last season showed that he remains a dangerous attacker capable of influencing games at the highest tier. Secondly, Son’s popularity across Asia — particularly in South Korea — offers MLS an opportunity to expand its market reach and increase broadcast rights value in the region.
From a branding perspective, LAFC is positioning itself as one of the most ambitious clubs in the league, willing to spend big to secure a marquee signing. The club’s fan culture, vibrant matchday atmosphere, and strong community ties make it a fitting destination for a player of Son’s charisma and global appeal.
Replacing a Club Legend, Linking With an Old Friend
Son’s arrival will fill the void left by Olivier Giroud, whose brief stint with LAFC ended when he transferred to Lille. Giroud, a World Cup winner with France, was a high-profile signing in his own right, but Son offers a different type of threat — more pace, more creativity, and a proven ability to thrive in wide areas.
Crucially, Son will also find a familiar face in the dressing room: Hugo Lloris. The two played together at Tottenham for over a decade, forming part of the squad that reached the 2019 UEFA Champions League final. Their shared experience and leadership qualities could prove invaluable as LAFC aims to defend its MLS Cup title.
The Road to Official Confirmation
While fans are eager for LAFC to unveil Son in black and gold, the club is expected to finalize all formalities — including visa processing and contract registration — before making any announcement. Given the size of the transfer fee and the high-profile nature of the move, both the club and MLS will likely coordinate a major media rollout to maximize publicity.
Speculation also surrounds when Son will make his debut. If the deal is confirmed in the coming days, he could potentially appear in LAFC’s next home match, though the coaching staff may opt to ease him into the squad after travel and preseason adjustments.
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Impact on the Pitch
From a tactical perspective, Son’s addition could dramatically enhance LAFC’s attacking flexibility. Known for his ability to play across the front line, he can operate as a left winger, a second striker, or even as a central forward if needed. His direct dribbling, clinical finishing, and intelligent movement off the ball are likely to complement LAFC’s existing attacking options.
In MLS, where defensive lines are often more stretched than in the Premier League, Son’s pace and decision-making could make him an immediate difference-maker. His presence will also draw defensive attention, potentially creating more space for teammates.
A New Era for Son Heung-min
For Son himself, this move represents a fresh chapter in a career already marked by resilience and ambition. Leaving Tottenham — the club that nurtured his rise to global stardom — was an emotional decision, but one he framed as an opportunity to embrace new challenges and experiences.
In Los Angeles, he will find not only a passionate football culture but also a city with a large Korean-American community that will likely welcome him with open arms. Off the pitch, Son’s commercial appeal could see him become one of MLS’s most marketable stars, securing endorsement deals and boosting the league’s visibility in Asian markets.
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Conclusion
Whether or not they caught sight of him at LAX, the fans who turned up this week made one thing clear: Son Heung-min’s arrival in MLS is already a landmark moment. With his signing poised to shatter league transfer records, LAFC is making a bold statement about its ambition both domestically and internationally.
For MLS, it’s another step toward becoming a genuine global destination for top-tier talent. For LAFC fans, it’s the beginning of what could be a thrilling era led by one of the game’s most beloved stars. And for Son, it’s a chance to write a new chapter — one that begins not with an official press conference, but with a group of devoted supporters waiting at an airport, dreaming of the goals to come.
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