LOS ANGELES — Son Heung-min’s move from Tottenham Hotspur to Los Angeles FC has electrified the vibrant LA neighbourhood of Koreatown, where fans say they still cannot believe the South Korean star was now a member of their beloved ‘Black & Gold’.

At BiergartenLA, a German-Korean gastropub popular with LAFC supporters, staff and patrons said “Sonny-mania” had gripped the neighbourhood just north of the team’s BMO Stadium ahead of his home debut against San Diego FC on Sunday.

“It feels surreal — more like a World Cup vibe,” said partner David Dong.

“It is cool to see LAFC get this much attention and eyes. In the past it’s only been toward the end of the year but these days it feels more like playoff energy. The hype is palpable.”

Son joined LAFC for a reported US$26.5 million (RM112 million) and leading up to Sunday’s match had appeared in three away games, winning a penalty in his debut, providing an assist in his second match and scoring a free kick in his third.

Off the field, he has also delivered immediate returns.

Sales of his #7 LAFC jersey surpassed every other athlete worldwide on Fanatics when it was launched on August 6 and has remained a best-seller through August, MLS said.