In a landmark move, South Korean footballer Son Heung-min has joined Los Angeles FC for a record-breaking transfer fee of approximately $26.5 million. This transfer concludes his decade-long tenure at Tottenham Hotspur, where he made 454 appearances and scored 173 goals. Son's arrival is expected to bolster LAFC's attacking prowess and elevate the team's profile both domestically and internationally.
Similarly, German international Thomas Müller has signed a season-long deal with the Vancouver Whitecaps, with an option for 2026. At 36, Müller brings a wealth of experience from his 25-year career at Bayern Munich, where he secured 13 Bundesliga titles and two Champions League trophies. His leadership and skill are anticipated to make a significant impact on the Whitecaps' performance in the upcoming season.
In league operations, MLS has decided to withdraw its top rosters from the upcoming U.S. Open Cup, opting instead to field teams from its MLS Next Pro league. This strategic shift aims to provide valuable playing time for developing players and alleviate scheduling congestion for first-team members. The decision underscores MLS's commitment to player development and the long-term growth of the league.
Additionally, MLS has introduced "Sunday Night Soccer," a primetime broadcast series airing exclusively on Apple TV+. This initiative is designed to showcase marquee matchups between top MLS clubs, enhancing the league's visibility and providing fans with high-quality soccer entertainment. The series is part of a broader strategy to expand MLS's audience and compete with other major sports' primetime broadcasts.
These developments reflect MLS's ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of play, attract international talent, and innovate in its broadcasting strategies, all contributing to the league's growth and increasing prominence in the global soccer landscape.
