Son Heung-min set for Premier League return in January? Ex-Tottenham star has power to trigger ‘David Beckham clause’ in MLS contract at LAFC

Son left his native South Korea for Germany in 2008 when linking up with Hamburg. He enjoyed five productive years there before heading to Bayer Leverkusen. Spurs then came calling in 2015, with the decision taken to embrace an English adventure.

A decade of loyal service in north London saw Son take in 445 appearances while registering 173 goals. One of his final acts was to lift the Europa League trophy, as Spurs saw their 17-year wait for major silverware brought to a close in 2025. Son surprisingly bowed out as club captain when chasing the American dream.

He has settled quickly in California, amid a large Asian community in that region, with eight goals and three assists being registered through his opening nine appearances. LAFC are safely through to the MLS Cup play-offs, with the ultimate end goal being to recapture a title that another Tottenham legend, ex-Wales international Gareth Bale, helped the club to in 2022.

Once that quest is over, Son will reach the post-season break. According to The Sun, the 33-year-old could be presented with the opportunity to head back to Europe on a short-term loan agreement.

Manchester United icon Beckham trod that path during his days in MLS with the LA Galaxy, taking in two spells with Serie A giants AC Milan. The Rossoneri - who have USMNT star Christian Pulisic on their books - are said to be among those expressing interest in Son.

A retracing of steps to Tottenham is also being mooted, while Son could be reunited with Harry Kane if he were to head back to the Bundesliga at Bayern Munich. The pair previously broke goal contribution records in the Premier League.

The Sun claims that Son turned down offers from European clubs and teams in the Saudi Pro League when heading to MLS. They report on how a clause does exist in Son’s contract in Los Angeles that could allow him to follow Beckham’s lead by arranging a loan move - with Thierry Henry having done likewise when rejoining Arsenal on a temporary basis in 2012 while tied to a deal with the New York Red Bulls.

The 2026 World Cup will form part of Son’s plans, as he will want to be in the best possible shape for that tournament. That could mean enjoying a well-earned rest towards the end of 2025 and into the New Year.

A tempting offer could, however, lure him to Europe once more. Plenty of clubs will be willing to throw open their doors having seen the sporting and commercial benefits that Son brings. He has generated a buzz in MLS not seen since eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi arrived at Inter Miami in 2023.

Son has shifted more jerseys than the Argentine GOAT and helped LAFC to attract 34 billion views across their social media channels - with those numbers up by a staggering 594 per cent. He has figured in every game for new employers since leaving north London for the west coast of America.

Soccer broadcaster Max Bretos is among those to have talked up Son’s impact in the USA, telling BBC Sport: “If a player like Cristiano Ronaldo arrived in MLS, he would move the needle in many ways, but if he arrived it kind of becomes his club. Much like in Miami with Messi - which is fine. But I think LAFC maintains its identity as Son Heung-min just blends into it, which I think is what he wanted. It's a perfect marriage.”

Son is tied to terms with LAFC through 2027, and there are extension options within that agreement that could keep him at BMO Stadium until the end of the 2029 MLS season.