MLS
Olivier Giroud set for MLS move: Will Carlos Vela sign for LAFC?
With the Frenchman close to a move to the Western Conference champions we take a look at what his arrival could mean for the LAFC roster.
LAFC opted against bringing in a big-name offensive reinforcement over the off-season but look set to bolster their attacking options this summer. The Western Conference side are reportedly close to agreeing a deal to bring AC Milan striker Olivier Giroud to the team.
The Athletic reports that LAFC are finalising a deal to sign the French World Cup. The 37-year-old’s current deal in Milan expires this summer and he would be free to join up with LAFC after the European Championships.
Although his signing has not yet been officially announced LAFC dropped a subtle hint on social media on Tuesday evening. A short video showing a team cap being sent to an unknown recipient was posted the French phrase ‘Bonne nuit’ as the caption.
Giroud’s arrival would provide the central striking option that LAFC has been missing since the departure of team stalwart Carlos Vela at the end of 2023. Spanish striker Mario Gomez has also departed on loan, leaving midfielder Mateusz Bogusz to operate as the offensive focal point for much of this season.
Will Carlos Vela return to LAFC?
Very few players in MLS history can match the impact that Carlos Vela had on the league during his five-year spell with LAFC. He was announced in 2017 as the club’s first Designated Player signing and would immediately become the team’s star as they began life in MLS the following year.
In 2019 he was named MLS MVP and set a league-record goals tally of 38 strikes across a single season. He helped the team to the Supporters’ Shield that year and then again in 2022, going on to lift MLS Cup in the post-season.
But last year he and LAFC failed to agree an extension to his previous deal and his contract was allowed to expire at the end of 2023, meaning that he is currently without a club. Speaking last month LAFC general manager John Thorrington confirmed that the club was still keen to bring the Mexican back to the club.
“We’re still in conversation with Carlos,” Thorrington explained. “I would love to be able to find a way to make it work for him to return to LAFC. Without negotiating in public, it’s just a function of what we can do and what makes sense for Carlos. And it’s by no means a lack of desire on our part. That’s for sure.”
But news of Giroud’s apparent arrival puts more question marks over Vela’s future. He has reportedly been the subject of interest from other MLS sides, including California rivals San Jose Earthquakes. However the Mexican forwards appears to be in little rush to decide on his next team and may have options in Mexico going forward.
Big earners like Giorgio Chiellini and Gareth Bale have left the club in recent years and the club’s financial position is thought to be strong. But it remains unclear if they would be able to bring Vela back in addition to the major signing of Olivier Giroud. Vela would almost certainly have to accept that he will no longer be a Designated Player but LAFC have not ruled out a return for the former captain.
“As much as we can, we plan very thoroughly for a window from now, two windows from now and so on,” LAFC boss Thorrington said. “But then as needs arise, hopefully we have the flexibility to add what we need to go for it because that’s what this club does.”