MLS
Steve Cherundolo says “the door is always open” for Carlos Vela to return to LAFC
The LAFC manager spoke about the potential return of club legend Carlos Vela, who left on a free transfer.
Los Angeles FC are ready to begin their seventh season in Major League Soccer and it will be the first season in which Carlos Vela is not on the team. The Mexican player became a free agent on December 31 and it wasn’t until a few weeks ago, after rumours had swirled of his signature landing at various clubs from Spain to Mexico, negotiations finally began with LAFC to bring him back in 2024.
The player and the club have until April 23 to reach an agreement, but LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo expressed his desire for a deal to be struck as soon as possible. He also reminded the press of the incredibly positive relationship he has with Vela since he took over the team in January 2022 and that he will always be part of the history of the ‘Black & Gold’.
Latest update: will Carlos Vela return to LAFC?
“I think he will always be a part of LAFC,” Steve Cherundolo began ahead of the 2024 season opener against Seattle. “Both parties are working towards a solution, so that’s a great sign. And both parties want to, so we’ll leave it up to them; Carlos and I have a wonderful relationship and the door will always be open for him but I stay out of the rest of the stuff.”
“Look, he’s been here six years and he was our captain, of course he’s going to have a presence in the dressing room. We don’t erase people out of our memory here. We love Carlos, and I hope he comes back. But it’s up to him and the club,” concluded the LAFC coach.
Top 5 top scorers during an MLS season
- Carlos Vela (LAFC, 2019) - 34 goals
- Josef Martínez (Atlanta United, 2018) - 31 goals
- Roy Lassiter (Tampa Bay Mutiny, 1996) - 27 goals
- Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes, 2012) - 27 goals
- Bradley Wright-Phillips (New York Red Bulls, 2014) - 27 goals
Carlos Vela has yet to join the team and has been seen traveling with his family in recent weeks as he waits for his agent to reach an agreement with LAFC. The 2022 MLS Cup winners will begin the 2024 season without the Mexican and will host the Seattle Sounders on February 24 at BMO Stadium.
Vela, if he returns, would have strong competition after his goalscoring record as he would enter a division that has not only Lionel Messi but Luis Suárez as well, both after the record 34 goals tally held by the Mexican.