Son Heung-min's Stellar Start: Has LAFC Found Their Perfect Signing?

Son Heung-min's transition to Los Angeles FC (LAFC) has been nothing short of sensational. The former Tottenham Hotspur captain, who joined the Major League Soccer (MLS) side for a reported fee exceeding £20 million, has made an immediate impact, sparking talk of a potential MLS Cup challenge. His arrival has not only boosted the team's performance but has also resonated deeply with Los Angeles' vibrant Korean community.

Instant Impact on and off the Pitch

In just nine appearances for LAFC, Son has already notched eight goals and provided three assists, silencing any doubts that lingered after his final performances in North London. While some questioned whether his form dipped due to age, his early MLS displays suggest a temporary blip rather than a permanent decline. The South Korean international's performances have been a major factor for LAFC as they push towards the playoffs.

MLS presents unique challenges, and adapting isn't always seamless for European stars. However, Son has seamlessly integrated, combining high expectations with impactful performances. He has managed to avoid the pitfalls that have plagued other high-profile European players who have struggled to adapt to the league's different style of play and travel demands.

Echoes of Carlos Vela: A Franchise-Defining Signing

Son's impact is drawing comparisons to Carlos Vela, LAFC's original flagship signing. Dave Denholm, a seasoned radio broadcaster covering LAFC, notes the similarities: "It is very comparable. Vela had to be incredible, both on and off the pitch, and he was. Son has done the exact same thing, which I didn't think was going to be possible for a very long time for LAFC. It was the perfect signing."

Just as Vela connected with Los Angeles' large Mexican community, Son has quickly become a figurehead for the city's Korean population. Trebor Tracy, owner of the LAFC fansite Angels on Parade, emphasizes the significance: "I would say the Korean community is a close second to the Mexican community in the city of Los Angeles. One of the big supporters' groups [the Tigers] is a majority Korean supporters' group, and they've always been a big part of the culture being built here for LAFC. So when we did sign Son, it was a big moment for them."

Rapid Acclimatisation: A Unique Arrival

Max Bretos, a soccer broadcaster with extensive experience covering MLS, highlights the speed with which Son has settled in. "He landed on a Tuesday. On Wednesday he had the introductory press conference, and his visa process went through quickly, so by Friday he was on his way to Chicago to play his first game," Bretos explains. "He's played every game, and he's played almost every minute of every game. This is unheard of. He was on the field immediately, and you can see the reaction of his team-mates - they loved him. It's like he'd already been there for months."

Bretos offers an analytical viewpoint: "Big signings in MLS can often become the defining aspect of the franchise they join as everything becomes all about one player, but this has not been the case in LA. LAFC maintains its identity as Son Heung-min just blends into it, which I think is what he wanted. It's a perfect marriage."

Boosting Bouanga: The Ripple Effect

Son's arrival has also unlocked another level in the game of Gabon international Denis Bouanga, who has scored 11 goals in nine games since Son joined. This streak has made Bouanga the first player with three consecutive 20-goal seasons in MLS, putting him level with Lionel Messi at the top of the 2025 Golden Boot race. The partnership between Son and Bouanga has become a formidable force, accounting for LAFC's last 18 goals.

A "Messi-Like" Impact?

While not reaching the unprecedented levels of Lionel Messi's arrival, Son's impact is undeniable. His introductory press conference garnered 200,000 views on YouTube, and LAFC reported a 594% increase in social media views upon his arrival, totaling around 34 billion. General manager John Thorrington confirmed that Son's shirt sales have surpassed all other sports within the club's merchandise offerings.

The impact extends beyond statistics. Bretos notes, "I don't want to lean into the social media aspect too much, but when we look at our numbers across the board, it's five or six times the amount of interactions or views in anything we do. So you see the impact - it's huge."

Ultimately, Son Heung-min's early success with LAFC demonstrates a player finding the right fit at the right time. His performances on the field, coupled with his connection to the community, suggest that this "perfect signing" could lead LAFC to new heights.