From Lionel Messi’s MLS to joining Christian Pulisic in Serie A? Special ‘Beckham’ clause could bring Son Heung-min to Milan to keep LAFC star 2026 World Cup-fit

From Lionel Messi’s MLS to Christian Pulisic’s Milan, the soccer world continues to see the blending of continents — and now, Son Heung-min could be the next star to bridge that gap. The South Korean forward, currently dazzling in Major League Soccer with Los Angeles FC, may be on course for a sensational European comeback — one potentially taking him to San Siro.

Reports from The Sun suggest that AC Milan could offer Son a short-term return to Europe this winter to maintain peak fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup, thanks to a mysterious “special clause” in his MLS contract. The 33-year-old, who left Tottenham last summer after a decade of service, has been in breathtaking form since moving stateside — scoring nine goals and providing three assists in just ten matches for LAFC.

In California, Son’s arrival has generated a buzz “comparable to Messi’s impact in MLS,” according to The Sun, which reported that LAFC’s social media engagement has soared by nearly 600% since the Korean captain joined. Local fans have even dubbed the league “the Son Heung-min league”, a testament to his influence both on and off the pitch.

Since joining LAFC in August, Son has helped the club secure a third-place finish in the Western Conference and a spot in the MLS Cup playoffs. In his most recent outing against Colorado Rapids, he found the net once again — his ninth goal of the campaign — as LAFC drew 2-2 to close the regular season. But once the MLS season wraps up in December, a long off-season looms — and that’s where the mystery clause could come into play.

The revelation: “Beckham clause” in his contract

Midway through his first season in MLS, The Sun revealed what they called a “special Beckham clause” written into Son’s LAFC contract. This unique provision allows him to temporarily return to European soccer during the MLS off-season, mirroring what David Beckham did when he joined Milan on loan from LA Galaxy in 2009 and 2010.

The clause, kept under wraps until now, could enable Son to rejoin a European club between January and March 2026, maintaining competitive sharpness before the World Cup in North America. “Son Heung-min rejected offers from European giants and Saudi clubs to choose MLS,” wrote The Sun, “but like Beckham’s brief return to AC Milan, he has left room for a short-term European comeback.”

Milan’s interest: Following Beckham’s footsteps?

TransferFeed reports that Milan is seriously considering the opportunity, eyeing a temporary deal to bring the Korean superstar to Serie A. For the Rossoneri, uniting Son with Christian Pulisic could mirror the club’s history of marquee short-term moves — with Beckham himself wearing red and black during his MLS off-seasons.

The report adds that Son is “reportedly considering Milan, Tottenham, or even a stint in South Korea” as part of his World Cup preparations. Given his current form, any move would represent a significant short-term investment.

The 2026 World Cup, hosted across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, is central to Son’s decision-making. At 33, he’s determined to arrive in top condition, and a few months of top-flight European soccer could make all the difference.