The South Korean might be a wonderful fit for LAFC, but manager Steve Cherundolo would need to get his system straight
It won't seem right to see Son Heung-Min wearing another color that isn't the Lilywhite of Tottenham Hotspur. Sure, this is a South Korean, who spent seven years at two different clubs before moving to Spurs as a 23-year-old. But no other player has been so closely associated with the rollercoaster ride that is Tottenham than Son.
He arrived at the club in 2015, and formed an electric partnership with Harry Kane - one that somehow, cruelly, didn't finish with any silverware. But as others came and went, Son stayed. He outlasted Kane, Hugo Lloris, Toby Alderweild, Jan Vertonghen and Dele Ali.
He was coached by seven different managers and lasted a decade in North London. And when he lifted the Europa League trophy a few months ago, it felt like his forever home had been found. Surely, Son had to retire here, right? Age gracefully, chip in here and there, and then walk away?
Apparently not. Son is on the verge of MLS's highest-profile signing of the season, with LAFC reportedly set to pay north of $20 million to secure his services. If he had to go, it seems a good fit. Los Angeles is a lovely place to live, and such is the culture of the club and the willingness to spend of the ownership that he could spend at least the next 18 months fighting for titles. LAFC are certainly a playoff team, and an MLS Cup is within reach.
Still, what seems to be a perfect move might not be so simple. Son is a wonderful footballer who will make any team, in pretty much any league at any level, immediately better. But should they finalize the deal, LAFC will have to get their tactics right to ensure that they get the most out of what would be a club-record signing - and ensure that they bring in Son, the MVP candidate, rather than Son the overpaid role player.