LAFC transfer update: Carlos Vela, Denis Bouanga, Designated Players

Last year LAFC were just 90 minutes away from becoming the first team in a decade to retain MLS Cup, but their defeat to Columbus Crew now looks like the catalyst for a off-season of renewal.

The contracts of club captain Carlos Vela and stars like Diego Palacios and Kellyn Acosta expired at the end of 2023, forcing the club to contemplate life without these stalwarts. They have secured a high-profile signing in the shape of former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, but last year´s MLS Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga has suggested that he is interested in a move away.

With just six weeks to go until the start of the 2024 campaign, the LAFC front office has a look of work to do to get Steve Cherundolo´s side ready for another tilt at the title.

Carlos Vela´s LAFC contract situation

Much of what LAFC are able to do in the off-season rests on the future of Carlos Vela, who was the club´s highest earner last year. The club captain had a guaranteed compensation of $4,383,900 but that Designated Player contract expired at the end of last season.

Now a free agent, Vela has hinted that he is keen to stay at BMO Stadium but will likely have to take a pay cut to secure a new deal. The 34-year-old was a key part of the LAFC side that won MLS Cup in 2022 but his influence has waned, recording nine goals and seven assists in 34 MLS games last year.

Last month Vela told reporters that he was unsure what the future holds but added that he is eager to remain in Los Angeles: “We’ll have talks and we’ll see if I can carry on playing here. I’d be delighted to stay, but if not, I’ll look for something else and will keep enjoying the little time I have left playing soccer.”

Likewise Cherundolo was unsure whether Vela would remain at the club, saying that “his future depends on him and LAFC. I will find out on January 13 when the preseason begins.”

Will Denis Bouanga leave LAFC?

Vela´s position as LAFC´s main attacking threat was usurped last season by Denis Bouanga. The Gabonese forward enjoyed a historic season, tying Vela´s all-time MLS record for goals in a calendar year (38). Bouanga has two years remaining on his current Designated Player deal but has expressed his desire to return to Europe.

“My objective is clear – I want to come back to France, or to another European club,” he told French publication Le Maine Libre earlier this month.

Reports suggest that Ligue 1 sides Lens and Rennes have both inquired about the possibility of signing Bouanga, but are reluctant to pay the $15 million transfer fee demanded by LAFC. The 29-year-old was born in Le Mans and spent his entire career in France before making the move to LA in the summer of 2022. Just 18 months on, a return to France looks increasingly likely. If he and Vela both leave LAFC would be left without a single player on a Designated Player contract, leaving them plenty of room to rebuild.

LAFC need defensive reinforcements

At the other end of the field, LAFC are also in the midst of a rebuild. Goalkeeping duo Maxime Crepau and John McCarthy have both seen their contracts expired and LAFC moved swiftly to bring in French World Cup winner Hugo Lloris. The 37-year-old has played a record 145 games for the France national team and brings elite level know-how.

However LAFC are also losing vast experience in the form of Giorgio Chiellini after the Italian announced his retirement last month. Diego Palacios also departs after agreeing a deal with Brazilian side Corinthians. Midfielder Kellyn Acosta is now a free agent and is reportedly a target for Chicago Fire.

All this means that LAFC need to bring in experienced players to bolster their squad, particularly in defence. To help restock in this key area they may look to pick up one or two experienced free agents, replacing the likes of Chiellini and Palacios.

A former LA Galaxy player Derrick Williams could be worth considering for LAFC. He has not found his best form in MLS but boasts considerable experience in the English second tier. Beyond the odd free agent signing, LAFC need to make a decision on Bouanga and Vela to allow them to begin their 2024 preparations in earnest.