Son Heung-min is set to leave Tottenham Hotspur and is reportedly just final details away from completing a move to Los Angeles FC—another blockbuster addition to Major League Soccer in 2025. With a new world-class star heading to the league, comparisons are already being drawn between Son’s expected salary and Lionel Messi’s $12 million base deal at Inter Miami.
In a surprising announcement, Son confirmed in a press conference on Saturday that he would be departing Tottenham after a decade at the club. Widely regarded as the greatest Asian player in Premier League history, the South Korean star leaves behind a legacy of milestones, including a Puskas Award, and countless memorable performances.
Despite interest from clubs in Europe and Saudi Arabia, Son has chosen MLS as his next destination. The decision was reportedly driven by lifestyle preferences, along with the strong South Korean fan base in Los Angeles. The move seemed all but sealed as he waved goodbye to Spurs fans in the recent friendly against Newcastle United.
Multiple reports suggest that only minor details remain before Son is officially unveiled as an LAFC player. The transfer fee is expected to fall between $20 million and $26 million, potentially eclipsing the MLS record set in January, when Atlanta United signed Emmanuel Latte Lath for $22 million.
Messi and Son’s salaries
Since his arrival in 2023, Lionel Messi has shattered records across MLS—including in salary. According to official league data, Messi is currently the highest-paid player in MLS, earning a base salary of $12 million per season with Inter Miami. When factoring in endorsements and commercial deals, his total annual earnings reportedly rise to around $20 million.
Son’s salary details have yet to be officially disclosed. However, according to Tom Bogert and Ben Jacobs of GiveMeSport, the South Korean forward is expected to become one of the league’s top earners, possibly surpassing Inter Miami’s Sergio Busquets.
With Lorenzo Insigne’s exit from Toronto FC, Busquets now stands as the second-highest earner, making $8,774,996 according to the MLSPA’s 2024 salary guide. Under this scenario, Son would slot just behind Messi and close to his current deal at Tottenham, reportedly worth £9.88 million per year (around $13 million USD), per Capology.