Could Lucas Moura (34, São Paulo) and Son Heung-min (34, LAFC), who once shared a locker room at Tottenham Hotspur, reunite on American soil?
ESPN Brasil reported on the 1st (Korean time), "Could Moura leave São Paulo to move to Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States or to Saudi Arabia? Currently Moura's future at São Paulo is uncertain."
The outlet said, "Moura's participation in the 2026 World Cup is uncertain after a fractured rib injury. With him entering the final year of his contract, speculation about his future has emerged. On social media, Saudi Arabia's Al Ahli and the U.S. team LAFC are being mentioned as possible next destinations."
For now, LAFC appears to be the frontrunner. According to ESPN, Al Ahli is not interested in signing Moura and has not made an official offer. By contrast, LAFC values Moura highly and tried to sign him before he left Tottenham in 2023 to return to São Paulo.
Moura and Son could meet as opponents. ESPN noted, "According to sources, U.S. teams' interest remains strong, so an MLS team contacting him again cannot be ruled out. There have been no negotiations yet with MLS teams, but the possibility that LAFC will make new contact soon is open."
For now, Moura is focusing on recovering from the fractured ribs. Last month, in a match against Athletico, he was struck in the face by an opposing midfielder's knee and fell hard to the ground. Carried off on a stretcher, Moura was diagnosed with two broken ribs and will have to miss several months.
The outlet explained, "Moura is not currently focused on the transfer market. His goal is to recover as quickly as possible after the 2026 CONCACAF-NORC tournament and show good form."
Above all, Moura is known to still have great affection for São Paulo. ESPN said, "When he returns, Moura plans to meet with the club to discuss future plans and consider a contract extension so he can remain with the team. He will consider an overseas move only after the possibility of re-signing disappears. He still wants to wear the São Paulo jersey."
Of course, Moura's joining the U.S. stage cannot be ruled out. The outlet emphasized, "But various scenarios could unfold by the end of the year. It is not yet decided whether Moura will stay at São Paulo's training ground or leave."
If Moura were to wear the LAFC uniform, he would once again combine with Son Heung-min. He is also the forward who had his prime at Tottenham and scored a hat trick in the second leg of the 2019 UEFA Champions League semifinal away to Ajax, writing the 'miracle of Amsterdam.'
Moura and Son spent five years as close teammates at Tottenham. He would throw himself into matters concerning Son as if they were his own, and in the 2021-2022 season he helped Son become the top scorer with selfless passes. Later, Son revealed the backstory that Moura had shouted, "Sonny! I'll make you the top scorer."
Their companionship, built on and off the pitch, ended in 2023 when Moura left Tottenham after his contract expired. At the time, Son hugged Moura tightly after his farewell match, and an emotional Moura shed tears. After the game, Son expressed his affection on social media, writing, "Playing alongside you was a privilege."
Recently Son has been scoreless in eight consecutive official matches for LAFC. Tactical changes have moved him away from the goal, limiting his scoring. With a new avenue needed for attack development, attention is focused on whether former teammate Moura could become a reliable support.
[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited), São Paulo em 1minuto.
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