Beckham-style clause permits European return during MLS off-season, aiding 2026 World Cup preparations

[OSEN=Jeong Seung-woo Reporter] Son Heung-min, 33 years old, LAFC, has reportedly included a 'David Beckham Clause' in his contract, leaving open the possibility of a return to the Premier League.

The UK's 'The Sun' exclusively reported on the 16th (Korean time), "Former Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min inserted a clause allowing a return to Europe in his contract with Major League Soccer (MLS) club LAFC," adding, "The so-called 'Beckham Clause, Beckham Clause' has also been applied to Son Heung-min's contract."

According to the report, Son Heung-min has fully settled into LAFC. In just two months since joining, he recorded 8 goals and 3 assists in 9 league games, instantly elevating the team to MLS championship contender status. Since Son Heung-min's arrival, LAFC's attendance, broadcast viewership, and jersey sales in the U.S. have surged explosively.

Despite this, it has been reported that Son Heung-min's contract includes an option clause allowing him to temporarily return to European football during the MLS off-season (winter break). This is similar to the clause David Beckham inserted during his time with LA Galaxy. Beckham utilized this clause to go on loan to AC Milan during the 2009-2010 winter, maintaining his form in Europe.

Thierry Henry also temporarily returned to Arsenal in 2012 through a similar clause while playing for New York Red Bulls.

The Sun noted, "In Son Heung-min's case, attention is focused on how this clause will be utilized, as the 2026 North Central America World Cup will be held in the middle of the season. Son Heung-min could choose to rest ahead of his final World Cup with the national team or maintain his European form through a short-term loan."

Son Heung-min rejected a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia this summer and chose to join MLS. He declined offers from multiple European clubs, stating, "I want a new challenge," and decided to move to the U.S. However, the 'Beckham Clause' means the door to a European return remains slightly open.

The Sun added, "Son Heung-min's contract is valid until 2027, but there is a possibility he could receive offers from European clubs during the 3-4 month off-season. Interest is growing in whether he will step onto another European stage, as he did during his 10 years at Tottenham."

Meanwhile, Son Heung-min's debut effect in MLS has been evaluated as the largest since Lionel Messi. His joining press conference recorded 200,000 views on YouTube, and the club announced that cumulative views on its social media channels have surpassed 34 billion, a 594% increase compared to before his signing.

The Sun assessed, "Son Heung-min is already bringing a new wind to MLS. While Messi elevated MLS's public status after Beckham in 2007, Son Heung-min is now connecting the Asian market to MLS." /reccos23@osen.co.kr

Son Heung-min's Beckham Clause Opens Premier League Return Door