Son Heung-min's Premier League career may not be over just yet due to a reported clause in his contract with MLS side Los Angeles FC, which could see him follow in the footsteps of David Beckham and Thierry Henry. The South Korean made the move to the United States in the summer after leaving Tottenham Hotspur as a Europa League winner.
The 33-year-old has made an excellent start to life at BMO Stadium and already has eight goals and three assists in nine MLS outings. He reunited with his former Spurs teammate Hugo Lloris, whom he purportedly earns over $200,000 more than in California.
Son is the latest high-profile European footballer to move to the USA, following Lionel Messi's arrival at Beckham's co-owned Inter Miami in the summer of 2023. But he could make a brief return to Europe, where he became one of the most highly-admired Asian talents the game has ever seen.
'Beckham Clause' Could Lead To Son's PL Return
Spurs and Son decided it was time to part ways in the summer, after a decade during which the Lilywhites' faithful fell in love with the South Korea captain. He formed one of the most formidable when he starred up front with Harry Kane.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Son Heung-min and Harry Kane are the most prolific forward duo in Premier League history (47 combined goals)
While he remained in North London for the Europa League triumph last season, Kane exited and headed to Bayern Munich to end his wait for a trophy. The 31-year-old English striker isn't leaving Europe anytime soon, but his former teammate may still have unfinished business.
SunSport reports that there is a clause in Son's contract with LAFC which allows him to make a loan switch during the MLS' off-season. This arrangement led to Beckham joining AC Milan from LA Galaxy during the latter stages of his playing career.
Henry, too, took the opportunity to keep playing during the off-season by making an emotional return to Arsenal. It's highly unlikely but Son could even swiftly but temporarily reunite with Spurs if Thomas Frank felt he could use his experience.
It's thought that the former Bayer Leverkusen man will plan his off-season with the 2026 FIFA World Cup in mind. This could see him rest in preparation for South Korea's participation in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
Son turned down potential moves to European clubs and snubbed interest from Saudi Arabia to head to the MLS. He has become the league's highest-paid player, taking home $250,000 per week, putting him ahead of Messi, who is on $230,760 per week (via Capology).
If the Spurs hero's clause were to be triggered, he'd be able to play European football for around three or four months. His proven knack of finding the back of the net could come in handy for any side looking for an emergency attacking signing.