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UPDATED: Carlos Vela set to become LAFC’s first DP signing

Carlos Vela has been one of the most sought after MLS transfer targets in recent windows and now it looks like one of the league’s new teams has finally captured the Mexican star.

The Los Angeles Times reported on Tuesday that LAFC has captured the signature of the midfielder and the club will add him as its first Designated Player. Earlier on Tuesday, a few Spanish outlets, including Mundo Deportivo, claimed the 28-year-old was on his way to MLS after spending five seasons at Real Sociedad in La Liga.

According to the LA Times, Vela’s deal could go official as soon as Tuesday.

(UPDATE: Real Sociedad confirmed Vela’s move to MLS on Tuesday afternoon, revealing he will move stateside this winter. The Mexican star will continue with the club until January before he joins up with LAFC.)

Vela, who has made 55 appearances for Mexico, has primarily played in Spain with Real Sociedad. He was an Arsenal player from 2006-2012, but only made 29 appearances for the Gunners and went out on three loan spells to Osasuna, Salamanca and West Bromwich Albion.

LAFC recently announced that former U.S. Men’s National Team boss Bob Bradley will serve as the club’s first head coach. The club currently has two midfielders under contract inĀ Carlos Alvarez and Monday Etim.

Comments

  1. Good to see MLS not only destroy the US national teal by buying guys up in Europe but now Mexicans. I wouldn’t be happy if I was a Mexican fan

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    • vela had an awesome wc in russia. sorry, what are you talking about, pls explain? and then he will go back to lafc and score more goals there. sorry, totally not understanding the negativity in your comment.

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  2. Now that they have a MEX DP they should go after good players and build a talented squad like Atlanta United. No need to be like the Galaxy and sign the third Dos Santos brother

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    • OS: I’ve heard you take that position consistently over the years. But until I see stats that Mexican soccer fans are more willing to watch MLS because of this kind of signing and/or that USMNT fans are willing to embrace an El Tri player at the club level, this isn’t anything I get excited about.

      From what I read, Mexican soccer fans are not following MLS, no matter who plays over here, they’re content with Liga MX and Euro leagues. And anecdotally, as a USMNT and LA Galaxy fan, I may tolerate Gio Dos Santos, but it’s still hard for me to get excited about him. I’d take a lesser known player from just about any other country, than an El Tri player, to bolster LAG.

      Could we reach a tipping point where enough El Tri players (and other CONCACAF countries) play in MLS that Mexican fans simply can no longer ignore MLS? I suppose that’s possible. But If the status of the mutual hatred is any indication, Mexican fans will never acknowledge that (1) MLS produces quality soccer and (2) is worthy of their attention.

      Just ask Rob…

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      • I’m not in your position but I would echoe your sentiments about signing MX players if it were my team. I do however think it’s good for the league to sign quality players from anywhere and it’s a little slap in the face to Liga Mx at the same time so that is a small consolation. Also, let’s NOT ask rob.

      • I suspect there are a lot of 2nd generation Mexican Americans who grow up in Southern California who will be interested in following both their local team with Mexican players and Liga MX. I think there are something like 2 million Mexican Americans in the LA metropolitan area.

    • His name literally translates to “I can’t find my car because my house is so big and luxurious”. Big time signing

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