Excitement Over Reunion
Hugo Lloris, the goalkeeper for LAFC, expressed his excitement about reuniting with Son Heung-Min, his former teammate from Tottenham Hotspur, who recently transferred to the MLS club. The two players formed a strong partnership over nine years at Spurs before Lloris made the move to LAFC to kick off the 2024 season.
Record Transfer
Son made headlines with his groundbreaking transfer, reportedly worth around $26 million, a record for Major League Soccer. Lloris shared his thoughts during a press conference, saying:
“It’s wonderful to play alongside him again. This marks a fresh chapter for us; although we’re wearing different jerseys, our goals and drive remain identical. He’s a fierce competitor and has held leadership roles both at Spurs and with the South Korean national team.”
Optimism for the Future
Notably, Lloris initially didn’t foresee Son’s move to LAFC but is optimistic about what the prolific forward will bring to the team. Son’s new contract is structured to extend through 2027, with options for both 2028 and June 2029. Lloris added:
“After spending a decade at Spurs and achieving significant milestones, including winning the Europa League, I understand the need for new challenges. His arrival is a positive sign for the league, the city, and our club, and I’m sure he will be a role model for our squad.”
Coach’s Perspective
LAFC’s head coach, Steve Cherundolo, echoed Lloris’s sentiments, calling Son’s signing an exceptional acquisition for both the club and the league. He emphasized that Son’s talents and charismatic personality are valuable assets both on and off the pitch. Cherundolo stated:
“We’re eager for him to clear his immigration process so he can join us on the field,”
confirming that Son is currently training independently while he awaits his visa.
Son’s Reflections
Son himself referred to joining LAFC as a “dream come true” during his introductory event, and he reflected fondly on his emotional farewell to Spurs, where he netted 137 goals and notably became the first Asian player to win the Premier League Golden Boot in the 2021-22 season.
Looking Ahead
As LAFC prepares for their upcoming match against Chicago Fire FC, the club currently sits in sixth place in the Western Conference standings, with anticipation building around Son’s potential debut.
