Son Heung-min Set for Record MLS Move to LAFC as Fans Anticipate Arrival

South Korean football icon Son Heung-min is on the verge of joining Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC, and while the club has yet to officially unveil him, anticipation is already running high among supporters, Sport360NG reports.

According to reports from ESPN and The Athletic, Son is expected to sign with LAFC for a record-breaking $26 million transfer fee, the highest in MLS history. The forward departed Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, bringing an end to a remarkable 10-year stint in North London.

Fueling speculation, LAFC announced a press conference for 2 p.m. local time (2100 GMT) on Wednesday, billed for a “major announcement”, widely believed to be the formal introduction of the Korean star.

News of Son’s potential arrival in Los Angeles sent dozens of fans to Los Angeles International Airport on Tuesday, hoping for a glimpse or an autograph. Despite their enthusiasm, the 31-year-old was not seen after reportedly departing South Korea just hours earlier.

“Son means the world to me. I used to wake up at five or six in the morning just to watch him play in the Premier League,” said 19-year-old Jun Kwon, who was among the waiting fans. “He’s going to make a huge impact here. My dad and I never followed MLS, but now we’re hooked.” Kwon had come dressed in a newly purchased LAFC jersey, already printed with Son’s name.

During his decade-long spell with Spurs, Son netted 173 goals in 454 appearances and became one of the club’s most beloved figures. His departure was confirmed following a farewell match in Seoul over the weekend.

At LAFC, Son is expected to step into the attacking role left vacant by French forward Olivier Giroud, who joined Lille in July. He will also reunite with former Tottenham teammate and French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who currently plays for the Los Angeles side.