From North London to the West Coast: a record‑breaking switch
When Son Heung-min left Tottenham Hotspur for Los Angeles FC in August 2025, it felt like the end of an era. The South Korean winger had spent ten seasons with the Spurs, signing a contract extension in January that stretched his stay to June 2026 – only to walk away a few months later after finally lifting a Europa League trophy. The move, worth a reported $26.5 million, shattered transfer records for an Asian player in MLS and sparked endless chatter on both sides of the Atlantic.
Fans still recall the emotional farewell in Seoul, where a makeshift guard of honor from both Tottenham and Newcastle United saw Son get the ovation he deserved. The farewell was bittersweet: after helping Spurs win their first major silverware since 2008, the forward admitted he was hungry for a fresh challenge. The timing was perfect – MLS was gearing up for an influx of global stars, and LAFC were eager to add a proven goal‑machine to their lineup.
Son’s debut for LAFC was almost cinematic. On August 23, 2025, he stepped up to take a free‑kick against FC Dallas and curled it into the top corner, earning a 1‑1 draw. A few weeks later, on September 17, he netted a hat‑trick in a 4‑1 rout of Real Salt Lake, reminding everyone that age had done little to blunt his clinical edge. Those early performances silenced any doubters who thought his prime was behind him.
Why City fans still dread his name
Even after swapping the Premier League for the MLS, Son’s reputation as Manchester City’s nemesis lives on. Pep Guardiola has been quoted saying, “You know how many times Son punishes us the last seven, eight years? Oh my God.” That line summed up a decade of late‑night headaches for the city’s title‑chasing side.
Look back at the moments that built that legend: a thunder‑strike from outside the box in a 2‑1 win at the Etihad in 2016, a brace that snatched points from the title race in 2019, and a last‑minute header that knocked City out of a Champions League quarter‑final in 2021. Each of those goals felt like a personal vendetta, and they turned Son into a cult hero for Tottenham supporters.
It’s not just Pep who feels the sting. Jurgen Klopp, once a rival manager, admitted publicly that not signing Son was “one of the biggest mistakes of my life.” Sir Alex Ferguson, who retired long before Son hit his stride, said the forward was a player he would have loved to coach. Even Antonio Conte, known for his bluntness, joked that he’d happily have Son as a son‑in‑law – a nod to his character off the pitch as much as his talent on it.
Beyond the headlines, Son’s knack for showing up when the stakes are highest is rooted in his work ethic. He trains with the same intensity he brings to match day, and his movement off the ball – cutting inside, stretching defenses, timing runs – still puzzles analysts. In MLS, he’s already facing a new set of challenges: different travel schedules, varied climates, and a league still adjusting to a higher technical level. Yet his first season stats place him among the top five scorers, and his assist numbers show he’s also creating chances for teammates.
What does this mean for Manchester City? Simply put, whenever Son’s team meets the Pep‑led side, expect an extra layer of tension. City’s defensive lines have tweaked their approach, often double‑marking him, but that only seems to fuel Son’s determination. In a recent preseason friendly in the U.S., Son’s quick one‑two with a teammate resulted in a goal that left City’s backline scrambling – a reminder that the script hasn’t changed, even if the setting has.
Off the field, Son’s influence stretches beyond the pitch. His humility, fluent English, and willingness to engage with community projects have made him a fan favorite in Los Angeles. He’s taken part in youth coaching clinics, visited local hospitals, and even helped launch a Korean‑American cultural festival in the city. Those gestures echo the respect he earned from fellow managers – respect that’s not just about tactics, but about being a role model.
As the MLS regular season pushes forward, the question isn’t whether Son will score again – it’s how many times he’ll do it against the very teams that once tried to lock him out. For Tottenham fans, his legacy remains intact: a player who never shied away from the biggest stage. For Manchester City supporters, his name still appears in the back of their mind when they plan defensive drills. And for anyone watching the beautiful game, Son Heung‑min’s story is a reminder that talent, tenacity, and a touch of swagger can turn a forward into a myth, no matter where he plays.