MLS
Los Angeles FC reveal roster plans for 2025: Carlos Vela, Lewis O’Brien and other players
The Black & Gold confirmed they have 19 players under contract for next season and also announced the departures of several others.
Los Angeles Football Club’s season came to an end after a 2-1 defeat to the Seattle Sounders in the 2024 Western Conference semi-final on Saturday.
The Black & Gold have had plenty of ups and downs this season, losing the Leagues Cup final but winning the US Open Cup.
On Wednesday, the franchise FC released a statement confirming changes to the roster for the 2025 season. LAFC currently has 19 players under contract for next season, and they have also exercised five player options and has declined six options for next year.
The 19 LAFC players currently under contract for the 2025 season:
- Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris, Thomas Hasal, David Ochoa.
- Defenders: Luca Bombino, Omar Campos, Maxime Chanot, Lorenzo Dellavalle, Ryan Hollingshead, Sergi Palencia, Eddie Segura.
- Midfielders: Mateusz Bogusz, Timothy Tillman, David Martínez.
- Forwards: Tomas Angel, Denis Bouanga, Olivier Giroud, Cristian Olivera, Nathan Ordaz, Adrian Wibowo.
Carlos Vela’s situation still in the air
At the same time, LAFC has declined contract options for Carlos Vela, Kei Kamara, Tommy Musto, Marlon, Diego Rosales and Luis Müller.
However, the club continues to hold talks with Vela regarding his future with the goal of him returning and taking part in the preseason which will start early in the New Year.
The LAFC legend only played four minutes in the playoffs after his return was confirmed in September after more than nine months of inactivity. He came on as a late sub, replacing Denis Bouanga in the 2-1 First Round first leg game against Vancouver.
At his presentation, Carlos Vela said that he wanted a better end to his career and that he missed the day-to-day training sessions.
The club is also in talks to retain Aaron Long, Marlon, Lewis O’Brien and Erik Dueñas, whose contracts will expire on December 31.
The Englishman’s case is different, since he arrived on loan for this season, and the club will sit down to negotiate with Nottingham Forest, so that the midfielder can return in 2025. LAFC have an option to buy the player before the end of next month.
Finally, LAFC confirmed the departures of Eduard Atuesta and that Kei Kamara and Ilie Sánchez are eligible for MLS Free Agency.