Mexican forward Carlos Vela is back with the LAFC. The MLS side announced it had signed Vela to a contract for the remainder of the 2024 season. According to the team’s announcement, the agreement also contains a club option for 2025.
Vela initially joined LAFC in 2018 and ended up spending six years with the club. During that time, he played in 188 games, scoring 93 goals and adding 54 assists. He helped the LA team win the MLS Cup in 2022 and the Supporters’ Shield in 2019 and 2022 while earning three MLS Best XI nods.
After his contract with LAFC expired at the end of 2023, Vela left the club. The two sides were interested in a reunion but failed to reach an agreement before the new season started. Vela then decided to play a waiting game that has now paid off.
“Los Angeles and the LAFC fans are very important to me and my family,” Vela said in a statement. “LAFC is a special club, and I am proud of what we have built here. I am excited to return to LAFC and try to help the team achieve great things in any way that I can.”
Vela is expected to boost LAFC’s attack, which scored 50 goals in 27 games played. The club is currently sitting second in the Western Conference with 48 points.
“Carlos has played such an instrumental role in the success we have enjoyed at LAFC both on and off the field,” LAFC co-president and general manager John Thorrington said in a statement. “He means so much to our club, our fans, and our city. It was important to everyone involved to have him return to LAFC, and we are thrilled that he will be back in Black & Gold.”
