Son Heung-min Transfer to LAFC: Salary, Kane Friendship & More

Few transfers in recent years have carried as much emotional weight as Son Heung-min’s move from Tottenham Hotspur to Los Angeles FC. The South Korean forward left the Premier League after a decade, signing a deal that MLS Soccer (the league’s official body) called a record-breaking incoming transfer.

Age: 33 (as of 2025) · Current club: Los Angeles FC · Position: Forward / Winger · Market value: €17.00m (per Transfermarkt) · Premier League appearances: 317 (as of 2024/25) · Premier League goals: 120 (as of 2024/25)

Seven key facts about Son Heung-min’s career and profile, compiled from official sources.

Has Son left Spurs?

Yes — Son Heung-min departed Tottenham Hotspur in July 2025 and joined Los Angeles FC. The transfer fee was reported at up to $26.5 million, making it the largest incoming transfer in MLS history, according to MLS Soccer (the league’s governing body).

Where is Son Heung-min playing now?

• Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer (MLS)
• He signed a contract through the 2027 season
• Wears the number 7 shirt for LAFC

The move ended Son’s decade-long association with Spurs, where he made 317 Premier League appearances and scored 120 goals (Premier League official stats).

Why did Son leave Tottenham?

• Son reportedly sought a new challenge after ten years in England
• LAFC offered a lucrative contract and the chance to grow football in the US
• Tottenham’s financial constraints and squad rebuild made a sale appealing

The implication: Son’s departure marks a strategic shift for both parties — LAFC gets a global icon, Tottenham gets a much-needed transfer fee and wage relief.

Are Son and Kane still friends?

Despite now playing on different continents, the bond between Son Heung-min and Harry Kane remains strong. Kane, who moved to Bayern Munich in 2023, publicly referred to Son as a “lifelong friend” in interviews following Son’s LAFC transfer (Sky Sports (UK sports broadcaster)).

What did Harry Kane say about Son?

• “We shared so many special moments at Spurs — he’s a lifelong friend.”
• Kane expressed happiness for Son’s new chapter in MLS
• He praised Son’s professionalism and humility

“Sonny is one of the best teammates I’ve ever had. I’m proud to call him a friend.”

– Harry Kane, interview with Sky Sports, July 2025

How do Son and Kane stay in touch?

• They regularly text and video call despite time zone differences
• Both have spoken about meeting up during international breaks
• Family visits are planned when schedules allow

The pattern: Their friendship is a rare constant in the often-transient world of elite football, proving that genuine bonds survive club changes and continents.

Why is Son so popular in Korea?

Son Heung-min is arguably the most beloved athlete in South Korea. His combination of elite performance, humble personality, and patriotic service has elevated him to national hero status. He led South Korea to gold at the 2018 Asian Games, earning a military exemption that allowed his career to continue uninterrupted (The Korea Times (English-language South Korean newspaper)).

What is Son Heung-min’s impact on South Korean football?

• He is the top Asian goalscorer in Premier League history with 120 goals
• His success inspired a generation of young Korean footballers
• He remains captain of the South Korean national team

Son’s visibility in global media has boosted the profile of Korean football worldwide. When he plays, viewing figures in South Korea spike dramatically — his LAFC debut drew an estimated 5 million Korean viewers (Chosun Ilbo English).

How does Son compare to other Korean stars?

• Park Ji-sung: 7 trophies at Manchester United; Son has no major club trophy but higher individual goal tally
• Cha Bum-kun: Legendary in Germany; Son surpassed his European goal record
• Ki Sung-yueng: 110 caps; Son has 131 caps and counting

Why this matters: Son’s longevity at the highest level is unprecedented for an Asian player — he spent a decade in the Premier League and is now headlining in MLS.

How much is LAFC paying Son?

Son Heung-min’s annual guaranteed salary at LAFC is $11.2 million, according to Waking the Red (MLS fan analysis site citing league salary data). That ranks him second in MLS behind only Lionel Messi, who earns $20.45 million at Inter Miami.

What is Son Heung-min’s net worth?

• Estimated between $20-30 million as of 2025
• Major income sources: salary, endorsements (Nike, Samsung, etc.), and personal brand
• His LAFC contract significantly boosts his earnings compared to his final Tottenham years

At Tottenham, Son earned roughly £9.5 million per year ($12 million). While his base salary in LA is slightly lower, endorsements and commercial bonuses are expected to close the gap (Transfermarkt (market value database)).

How does his LAFC salary compare to his Tottenham wages?

• Tottenham: ~$12 million per year (base)
• LAFC: $11.2 million guaranteed + performance bonuses
• Difference: slight reduction in base, but higher potential from commercial revenue

The catch: Son accepted a modest pay cut to join MLS, betting that his brand value in North America will more than compensate.

How much debt is Tottenham in?

Tottenham Hotspur’s debt has ballooned to approximately £1 billion ($1.27 billion) as of the 2024/25 season, according to The Guardian (UK news publication). The debt largely stems from the construction of their new stadium and the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

What is Tottenham’s total debt?

• Total debt: ~£1 billion ($1.27B)
• Annual interest payments: ~£50 million
• Debt-to-revenue ratio: approximately 1.8x

This financial strain contributed to Tottenham’s need to sell high-value players. Son’s transfer brought in a much-needed $26.5 million fee, though it barely dents the overall debt.

How did the debt affect Son’s departure?

• Tottenham needed to reduce the wage bill — Son was one of the highest earners
• The club prioritized selling players with resale value before contract expiry
• Son’s departure freed up about $12 million per year in wages

The paradox highlights the difficult trade-off for Spurs.

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The move to LAFC represents a calculated bet by both Son and the club. For Son, it’s a chance to build a legacy beyond Europe while remaining in the global spotlight. For LAFC, the financial returns are already evident: revenue jumped to $158 million in 2025, and projections suggest another 15–20% increase in 2026. For Tottenham, the departure of their most popular player in a generation is a painful but necessary step toward financial stability. The transfer record may be broken again, but the story of Son Heung-min — the player who bridged continents, cultures, and leagues — is far from over.

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