LAFC Secures Slot for "Son Heungmin Signing"
Reunion with Former Teammate Hugo Lloris If Transfer Happens
There have been reports that LAFC of Major League Soccer (MLS) is actively pursuing the signing of Son Heungmin. On July 24, Yonhap News reported that The Athletic, a US sports media outlet, stated that LAFC is actively negotiating to bring Son Heungmin in during this summer transfer window. Although there has not yet been any substantial progress, LAFC is continuing its efforts to persuade Son Heungmin to change his mind. A source told The Athletic, "Negotiations are ongoing, and we are working to convince Son Heungmin to accept."
Son Heungmin recorded 7 goals and 9 assists in 30 matches last season, ending his consecutive double-digit scoring streak, but he still demonstrates his presence as a superstar representing Asian football. Photo by EPA Yonhap News
Thomas Frank, who took over as Tottenham manager this year, stated, "Son Heungmin is dedicated and trains diligently. However, for a player who has spent a long time at a club, a moment of change always comes." He added that the recent transfer rumors surrounding Son Heungmin represent a "complicated situation," and refrained from making further comments.
For LAFC, the signing of Son Heungmin is expected to go beyond simply strengthening the squad. Los Angeles is home to the largest Korean population in the United States, with Koreatown being widely established and approximately 320,000 Korean residents. This figure surpasses those of New York (215,000) and Washington, D.C. (95,000). The addition of Son Heungmin is anticipated to have a significant impact not only on the local fanbase but also on the overall popularity of MLS. The Athletic evaluated, "Son Heungmin is the only Asian player to have scored double-digit goals for eight consecutive seasons in the Premier League," and described him as "one of the best wingers in England over the past decade."
Son Heungmin lifted his first championship trophy with Tottenham after 10 years at the club by winning the UEFA Europa League title last May. Photo by Reuters and Yonhap News
Last season, Son Heungmin recorded 7 goals and 9 assists in 30 matches, ending his streak of consecutive double-digit goal seasons. Nevertheless, he continues to demonstrate his presence as a superstar representing Asian football. If Son Heungmin transfers to LAFC, he will reunite with goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, with whom he spent many years at Tottenham. Lloris joined LAFC last year and has played 52 MLS matches so far. Son Heungmin succeeded Lloris as Tottenham captain.
The Athletic reported, "With Argentina international Rodrigo De Paul's transfer to Inter Miami imminent, Son Heungmin is expected to be the second superstar signing of this summer transfer window," and added, "LAFC currently has two vacant Designated Player slots following the contract termination with Olivier Giroud, securing the necessary space for Son Heungmin's arrival."
In May, Son Heungmin lifted his first trophy with Tottenham, winning the UEFA Europa League after 10 years at the club. Tottenham will begin their Asia pre-season tour this weekend, facing Arsenal in Hong Kong on July 31 and Newcastle in Seoul on August 3. However, The Telegraph reported that there is a contract clause stating that up to 75% of revenue could be lost if Son Heungmin does not participate in the Seoul match. As a result, it is highly likely that Son Heungmin will take part in Tottenham's Asia pre-season tour before transferring to LAFC.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
