Son Heung-Min Wants European Return Ahead Of 2026 World Cup and Pushes For ‘David Beckham Clause’

Son Heung-Min is reportedly pushing for a return to Europe ahead of the 2026 World Cup and has attracted interest from Serie A side, AC Milan.

Could Son Heung-Min Leave MLS In Off-season?

The South Korean international parted ways with Tottenham Hotspur in August 2025, ending a 10-year spell with the Premier League side and joined Los Angeles FC for €22 million.

His time with the MLS side has been a huge success so far, contributing to 12 goals in 10 appearances (9G +3A) and helped his team finish third in the Western Conference.

LAFC will enter the MLS play-off stages on October 30th, as Steven Cherundolo’s side face Austin FC across two-legs and search for their second MLS title.

The MLS play-off final will take place on December 6th, meaning Son could be out of action from December-February and even longer if LAFC do not reach the final.

Taking a break from the sport at Son’s age could be a slight issue and this has been amplified by the 2026 World Cup, as the iconic soccer tournament is edging closer.

The former Tottenham Hotspur star will be one of the star attractions at the tournament, as South Korea are one of the nations that has qualified for the 2026 World Cup.

Son’s contribution to South Korea’s qualification stage was monumental, as the 33-year-old scored seven goals and added another three assists in 10 WC Qualifier appearances.

Given his age, Son will probably be well aware that the 2026 World Cup in the United States will be his last major European tournament – meaning the South Korean star will want to be at his best.

Reports have now revealed that the former Premier League player is keen on activating the ‘David Beckham Clause’ to help improve his preparations for next year’s tournament.

What Is The David Beckham Clause?

In July 2007, David Beckham signed for LA Galaxy as a free agent and is often highlighted as the start of elite European players signing for MLS sides.

However after 98 appearances for the MLS side, Beckham joined AC Milan on loan in January 2009, before returning to the United States in June.

The Englishman joined Milan on loan again in January 2010 and Beckham’s reasons for leaving revolved around staying in contention for the England national side.

These moves to Italy allowed Beckham to maintain his fitness and the 2010 loan came just months before the World Cup in South Africa – which was a clause in his deal with LA Galaxy.

Son is reportedly looking to have this same clause in his deal in Los Angeles, as the ‘David Beckham Clause’ allows players to join a European club during the MLS off-season.

📰 @transferfeedcom: Heung-min Son wants to join a club on loan since the MLS season is coming to an end, in order to stay fit for the World Cup. Among the possible options being considered is Milan. pic.twitter.com/y9dI3092Bv

— Milan Posts (@MilanPosts) October 19, 2025

Are AC Milan Interested In Son Heung-Min?

Although Son Heung-min will turn 34 in July of next year, there is no doubt that the former Tottenham Hotspur player has a lot to offer at the top level.

Prior to Son’s move to the MLS, there were several rumors over a move to Serie A and the South Korean star could return to these rumors in January.

According to reports, AC Milan are interested in signing the South Korean on a temporary loan deal in January and even make this a repeated deal in future years.

Milan have been linked to multiple players in recent weeks, with the Rossoneri targeting Gilberto Mora from Tijuana and hope to maintain their place at the top of Serie A.

Christian Pulisic is currently sidelined with injury and Rafael Leao has only just returned to the clubs’ starting eleven after missing two months through injury.

Having such an issue in the attacking area of the pitch could push Milan into a move for Son in the January window and would be symbolic of their business with David Beckham.