on Heung-min's EPL season outlook
해외축구중계The 2025-2026 season marks a new chapter for Son Heung-min, a departure from the English Premier League (EPL) . He left Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2025 to join Los Angeles FC (LAFC) in the MLS (Major League Soccer). This move marks the end of his nearly 10-year tenure at Tottenham, and appears to be a decision made in consideration of the fatigue of European life and the need to maintain his fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup. In his final season at Tottenham (2024-25), he captained the team and contributed to the team's Europa League victory (ending Tottenham's 17-year trophy drought), but the team finished in a disappointing 17th place in the league. His departure was widely seen as a significant void, with Tottenham fans and the media labeling it a "Son Heung-min-shaped hole."
As of February 2026, Son Heung-min has been on a tear with LAFC since the second half of his debut season. He has played in 13 games, including the second half of the 2025 MLS season and the playoffs, and has delivered an impressive 12 goals and 4 assists (or 12 goals and 3 assists, according to some sources). This performance led to his winning the MLS Player of the Year award, with his leadership and decisiveness being cited as the reasons for his victory over Lionel Messi. He is considered to be in top form heading into his first full-time season in the 2026 MLS season, and he has entered match mode, scoring a goal and assisting in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, including the match against Honduras. Experts predict he will be "explosive even without a warm-up."
In terms of the Premier League season outlook, Son Heung-min's absence has had a significant impact on Tottenham. Early in the preseason and after the season, Tottenham reorganized under new manager Thomas Frank (formerly of Brentford). Key signings included Mohamed Koudus (West Ham), Joao Palinha (Fulham), and Matisse Tel (Bayern). However, the team has struggled with long-term injuries to James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, as well as a lack of creativity. Season previews from Opta Supercomputer, ESPN, and the Guardian have projected Tottenham as ninth, tenth, or even mid-table, with some even suggesting a 12% chance of relegation. While Son Heung-min's Premier League win rate was 41.7% with him, it plummeted to 7.1% without him, highlighting his leadership and attacking contribution.
There's some speculation about Son Heung-min's potential return to the Premier League . Reports suggest his LAFC contract includes a temporary loan option before the 2026 World Cup, and there have been sporadic rumors of a return to Europe (particularly the Premier League). However, given his current form and adaptation to MLS, he's likely focused on completing a full MLS season and achieving optimal condition for the World Cup. As of February 2026, LAFC is currently ranked near the top of the MLS Western Conference, and Son Heung-min is a key player, even being projected as a key member of the starting lineup.
While Korean fans may be disappointed, Son Heung-min's new challenge is a success. Tottenham Hotspur is trying to fill his void with Golden Boot contenders like Kudus and Solanke, but they haven't yet fully filled the void left by "Super Son." If you watch EPL broadcasts on Coupang Play and follow Tottenham matches, you'll naturally follow Son Heung-min's performances in the MLS. Even at 33, he still possesses the class and leadership to remain an icon of Korean football until the 2026 World Cup. Overseas Soccer Broadcasts