Mexico’s Carlos Vela (white jersey #11 ) is shown in action against Portugal during a FIFA Confederations Cup match on July 2, 2017, in Moscow, Russia. (Photo: FIFA via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles FC (LAFC) announced Wednesday that it has reached an agreement with Real Sociedad to acquire Mexico international Carlos Vela on a transfer.
The 28-year-old attacker will remain with the Spanish La Liga side for the remainder of 2017, with the deal going into effect on January 1, 2018.
LAFC is an expansion club in Major League Soccer that will kick off its inaugural season next year.
“It is very special for me to be the first Designated Player in LAFC history,” Vela said. “I’m honored to be here and to begin my new adventure playing for the people of Los Angeles.”
Vela was signed by Arsenal in 2005 after finishing as the top scorer (five goals) in the 2005 FIFA U-17 World Championship, which ended with Mexico lifting the trophy after a 3-0 win over Brazil in the final. During his time with the English power, he loaned to Salamanca, Osasuna and Real Sociedad (all Spain) and West Bromwich (England), before joining Real Sociedad permanently in July 2012.
With Mexico, the 55-time capped Vela has captured a pair of CONCACAF Gold Cup titles (2009, 2015), while also competing in one FIFA World Cup (2010) and one FIFA Confederations Cup (2017).
