🇺🇸 State of the Union: Vela holdout? Barça in the US, Tillman commits | OneFootball

Happy Friday! We’ve made it to the weekend! Here’s what we have in store today!

Carlos Vela yet to sign LAFC contract extension

After becoming the third-fastest player in MLS history to reach 100 points, Vela announced his intention to stay with LAFC but only if the two sides can reach a deal.

Tom Bogert had announced last month that Vela was set to extend his deal until the end of 2023, with his current deal expiring on June 30th.

“Like I always say, I’m really happy here,” Vela said. “I love to play in LA, I love to play in this stadium with these fans. If it’s in my hands, for sure I will be here.

“I will help this club to win a trophy. For my part, I’m doing my stuff. We will see how we end. But I think we’re a little bit better.”

Bogert hints that Vela may be holding out for more money. Last season, Vela was the league’s highest earner at $4.05m. This season, that total ranks seventh, with Xherdan Shaqiri making more than twice as much.

Jamiro Monteiro wins MLS Player of the Week

The San Jose midfielder enjoyed his first-career MLS brace to help the Earthquakes knock off Portland Timbers 3-2.

Jamiro, who has only scored 12 goals in 83 career league matches, has now scored three goals over his last two games.

Barcelona to face Inter Miami in summer friendly

This will be Inter Miami’s first-ever friendly against European competition while this marks Barcelona’s fifth trip to the United States in eight years.

Barcelona also coming to New Jersey!

The New York Red Bulls will host Barcelona on July 30th, having moved their match against the Colorado Rapids to August 2nd.

While hosting one of the world’s biggest clubs is phenomenal, the Red Bulls will have to play eight-to-ten games (pending US Open Cup results) from July 30th to the end of August.

Malik Tillman to switch from Germany to USMNT

Bayern Munich midfielder Malik Tillman has will file a one-time switch to represent the USMNT.

The 19-year-old’s departure from Germany was confirmed by German U-21 manager Antonio Di Salvo, who stated it ‘surprised him a lot’.

👕 Throwback rack

With Stefan Frei moving into third place in career clean sheets (87), it’s worth remembering that he still has a long way to go if he wants to catch Nick Rimando (154) or Kevin Hartman (112).

Here’s Rimando back in 2013, when he helped lead the United States to Gold Cup glory.

📆 What’s going on today?

A tasty little treat for us USMNT supporters as the June roster will drop ahead of schedule!

Antalyaspor’s Haji Wright, who could be set to earn his maiden cap, will be in action against Galatasaray in their final match of the season.