Bogert: Former MLS MVP Carlos Vela finalizing deal to return to LAFC | OneFootball

According to Tom Bogert, Mexican forward Carlos Vela has reached an agreement with his former team, LAFC, to play for the Black and Gold until the end of the season

The wait is over. After being out of contract for over nine months, LAFC announced the arrival of another critical addition for the 2024 season. Despite the transfer window being closed, the team made moves last week and signed defender Brazilian Marlon, who had been without a club since leaving Fluminense.

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Now, the team also announced the arrival of another out-of-contract player: according to GIMMESPORT, forward Carlos Vela returns to LAFC to participate in the most crucial phase of the Major League Soccer season, in the fall, when titles such as the US Open Cup, the Supporters’ Shield — the league’s regular-season championship —, and finally, the much-anticipated playoffs and MLS Cup, the highest trophy in American soccer, are decided.

Uncertain situation with LAFC after the 2023 MLS Cup

Carlos Vela chose not to renew his contract at the end of last season, and no agreement was reached during negotiations with the club. “With my contract, Saturday is the only certainty I have because it’s on paper,” Vela told reporters during a press conference in November 2023 at Lower.com Field, ahead of the MLS final. “After that, everyone knows: I’m happy in Los Angeles and with this team. But this job is a business. Sometimes, not everything goes the way you want. We are on two different sides. We have to be on the same page for it to work. We’ll see in the end.”

Since then, LAFC navigated through MLS and Leagues Cup seasons with a diverse squad, which includes young Polish player Mateusz Bogusz, who scored 12 goals in the league, and Uruguayan Kike Olivera, who, despite national team call-ups, still needs to show his best soccer in MLS.

LAFC without Carlos Vela: A team without spark

Thus, LAFC started the season without its long-time captain and with a big question mark about the future. Throughout the year, little was heard about Carlos Vela, except for posts from his wife, who shared moments of the family’s lavish vacations worldwide, far from the soccer fields. Even so, with the club avoiding any farewell message to the 2019 Golden Boot winner, the outcome seemed inconclusive, suggesting the possibility of a return despite intense internal debates.

Los Angeles FC in 2024 (LAFC / X)

In the end, LAFC without Vela is an efficient team without the ball, but it lacks magic with it at its feet. Despite his advanced age and the lack of speed that once defined him, LA’s eternal No. 10 still has talent and magic with the ball. Finally, with his contract renewed, Carlos Vela brings a happy ending to a story that once seemed unfinished.