Jul 28, 2018; Pasadena, CA, USA; Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-Min against FC Barcelona during an International Champions Cup soccer match at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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Son Set for Emotional Spurs Exit as LAFC Talks Advance

Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min has asked to leave the club after a decade of unforgettable service, with Los Angeles FC leading the race to sign the South Korean superstar. Talks between Spurs and the MLS side are ongoing, and a deal could be reached before the new Premier League season kicks off.

🚨🇰🇷 BREAKING: Heung-min Son has decided to leave Tottenham this summer.

The player has informed Spurs management and also new manager Thomas Frank.

Negotiations underway with MLS side LAFC after he wad also approached by Saudi clubs in May.

MLS, most likely destination. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/ud1aDBGIas
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 2, 2025

The 33-year-old forward, who led Tottenham to their long-awaited European triumph in the Europa League last season, informed new head coach Thomas Frank earlier this summer of his desire to leave on a high. Sources close to the club say Son was the only senior player to signal an intention to depart during initial meetings with the Dane.

Despite interest from Saudi Arabia — which could have brought Spurs a more lucrative offer — the north London club are supporting Son’s wishes. After 10 years, 173 goals, 101 assists, and countless memories, Tottenham are reportedly willing to be flexible on price and timing out of respect for his contribution.

Hollywood Ending?

Son’s preferred destination is Los Angeles, where he would reunite with former teammate Hugo Lloris and become the face of LAFC. The move also makes cultural sense: LA is home to the largest Korean population in the United States, and the MLS has seen a surge in global attention thanks to the presence of stars like Lionel Messi.

A move to LAFC would not only present Son with a fresh challenge in a growing league but also give him a platform to further expand his brand in the American market.

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Son Farewell Tour Begins

Son has remained the consummate professional during pre-season, training with intensity and showing no signs of distraction. He featured for just 15 minutes in Tottenham’s 1-0 win over Arsenal in Hong Kong, where Cristian Romero handed him the captain’s armband at full-time so he could lift the Herbalgy Trophy — a symbolic gesture that hinted at a goodbye.

He arrived in Seoul on Friday to a hero’s welcome, with more than 500 fans at Incheon International Airport. Sunday’s clash with Newcastle at the Seoul World Cup Stadium — a sold-out 66,000-seater — is shaping up to be a fitting farewell on home soil.

🚨🇰🇷 Son: “I came to north London as a kid. A boy who couldn’t speak English. I leave this club as a young man”, says via @jaydmharris.

“Thanks to all the Spurs fans who have given me so much love”. pic.twitter.com/WothzyLgbY
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 2, 2025

If talks with LAFC conclude swiftly, it could also mean Son’s last appearance in front of Tottenham fans was during the pre-season friendly in Bilbao earlier this month. Son leaves behind a legacy that will live long in the hearts of Spurs fans. Since arriving from Bayer Leverkusen for £22 million in 2015, he has shattered barriers, become the first Asian player to score 100 Premier League goals, and won the hearts of millions with his humility, work rate, and moments of brilliance.

After lifting the Europa League trophy in May — Tottenham’s first European silverware in 17 years — Son said, “Let’s say I’m a legend. Why not? Only today! 17 years nobody has done it, so today let’s say, with amazing players, probably a legend of the club.”

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It was a night that confirmed what many already knew — Son had completed his Spurs journey.

Now, as he prepares for a new chapter in Major League Soccer, the curtain draws on one of the most beloved eras in Tottenham history. And if this is the end, it’s one worthy of the brightest lights — Hollywood.