Lucas Bergvall (19, Tottenham Hotspur) confessed that he had sensed Captain Son Heung-min's (33, LAFC) transfer. However, the void left by his departure seems too big.
Football London reported on the 9th (Korean time) that 'Bergvall acknowledged that he hoped to perform a magical 'No. 10' role under manager Thomas Frank and that the Tottenham players were 'somewhat' aware of Son's impending departure.
Tottenham is undergoing significant changes this summer. After manager Ange Postecoglou's departure, Frank has taken over, and vice-captain James Maddison is effectively out for the season due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament. The failure to acquire Morgan Gibbs-White has also left them without reliable attacking midfield resources.
The biggest issue is Son Heung-min's transfer. He, who has led Tottenham's attack for the past 10 years, has left for Los Angeles (LA) FC. Son brought his Tottenham career to a close, bidding farewell at the pinnacle by winning the UEFA Europa League (UEL) trophy last season.
Son Heung-min's next destination is Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States. On the 7th, LAFC announced, 'Son Heung-min is a part of the Black & Gold. He has officially joined LAFC on a transfer deal. The contract runs until 2027 with an option to extend until June 2029,' and they noted, 'A new era for Black & Gold is beginning.'
In acquiring Son Heung-min, LAFC has set a new record for the highest transfer fee in Major League Soccer (MLS) history. His transfer fee is reported to be around $26.6 million (approximately 36.8 billion won). Son is expected to be treated as a 'Designated Player,' exempt from the salary cap under MLS local rules.
Son Heung-min, who received the number 7 jersey at LAFC, said, 'Los Angeles is one of the most iconic sports cities in the world. I am very proud to join LAFC, a club with big ambitions. LA has a rich history of many champions. I came here to help write the next chapter.'
This is also his first career move away from Europe. Now meeting American fans, Son expressed, 'I am looking forward to the new challenge in MLS. I came to LA to lift trophies for this club, this city, and the fans, and I can't wait to get started.' He added, 'I want to wear the Black & Gold uniform and play as soon as possible. I want to be remembered as a legend here.'
Son Heung-min left Tottenham after leaving behind an impressive record of 173 goals and 101 assists in 454 matches. He played his farewell match on Korean soil. On the 3rd, Son wore the Tottenham uniform for the last time during a friendly match against Newcastle United at Seoul World Cup Stadium.
Son Heung-min, who tried to hold back tears, reddened his eyes after being substituted, and fellow players wiped their tears as well. However, a misfortune occurred when Maddison was carried off due to a late-game anterior cruciate ligament injury. Bergvall commented on this, saying, 'It is really, really unfortunate. Football can be cruel at times.' He added, 'It was supposed to be a beautiful conclusion for Sonny, so it was really cruel for Maddison.'
He also mentioned the vacancy left by Son Heung-min. Bergvall said, 'Son is a legend of the club and probably the greatest player in history. So it feels a bit strange because he was always there. I don't think I've fully realized it yet, but I will probably come to understand it.'
Bergvall knew that Son was leaving, but it still feels unreal to him. He said, 'I was aware to some extent that Son Heung-min was transferring. Of course, everyone saw the press conference before the announcement of the transfer. We learned officially just before that.' He added, 'After the game, everyone spoke to Son and wished him luck while taking photos. He will probably come back to the stadium and meet everyone.'
Meanwhile, Bergvall left a farewell message to Son Heung-min on social media after the match against Newcastle. He wrote, 'Sonny, thank you for everything. I am truly grateful for being able to learn so much from you both on and off the pitch during my first season here.'
Bergvall also said, 'Thanks to your passion for this club, I was able to realize from day one what it means to represent Tottenham. This season, lifting trophies for this club will always be something special for all of us. It will be even more special for you, Son Heung-min, who led us to that place. Thank you, legend.'
Son Heung-min took good care of Bergvall from the moment he arrived at Tottenham. Peter Kaspaloudis, a sports collaborator from Bergvall's previous club, Sweden's Djurgårdens IF, revealed that while Son was playing in the 2023 Qatar Asian Cup, he texted Bergvall as soon as his transfer to Tottenham was confirmed, saying, 'Welcome to Tottenham.' Bergvall was said to be very happy to receive it.
[Photo] ⓒGettyImages (Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited), Tottenham, LAFC social media.
[OSEN]