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Could Carlos Vela be set to join … Barcelona?

By Dan Chapman

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 1: Carlos Vela #10 of Los Angeles FC during Los Angeles FC's MLS Western Conference Knockout match against Real Salt Lake at the Banc of California Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. Real Salt Lake won the match 3-2 (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 1: Carlos Vela #10 of Los Angeles FC during Los Angeles FC's MLS Western Conference Knockout match against Real Salt Lake at the Banc of California Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. Real Salt Lake won the match 3-2 (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images) /
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After a strong first season in MLS with Los Angeles FC, Carlos Vela is the subject of rumors linking him to a surprise move to Barcelona.

Since becoming the first-ever designated player for new MLS club Los Angeles Football Club, Mexico veteran Carlos Vela has become one of the league’s top players. Joining the club on a free transfer from La Liga club Real Sociedad, where he spent 4-and-half years, “El Bombardero” went on to captain the MLS All Stars team against Italian giants Juventus in 2018 . Juventus won the exhibition match on penalties.

From the very first announcement that he was joining LAFC, Carlos Vela has always looked happy, content and comfortable at the club. Some pundits believe it is because of this that he has shined in the United States and is seen by many as the best player in the league alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Even their shirt sales far outpace the rest of the league, including England veteran Wayne Rooney.

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Vela’s first-class showing in the MLS so far was capped off by his being named to the MLS 2018 Best XI for the 2018 season.

It is perhaps because of his great form over the last two years that the rumors of him making a move back to Europe have started circulating this month. The surprising aspect of these rumors is that Barcelona is the club said to be interested in him.

Despite having one of the best strikers in the world in Luis Suarez, after selling Paco Alcacer to Borussia Dortmund last summer, the Catalan giants are extremely short in backup strikers which is driving the alleged interest in Vela.

It remains to be seen whether there is any substance to these rumors (they always have to be taken with a grain of salt), but it would surely excite some Mexico fans to see one of their star national team players getting linked with such a prestigious club.

ESPN – citing “Sport,” a Spanish publication – reported Friday that Barcelona has reached an agreement with Vela, but that the deal is pending because talks are ongoing with another, unidentified striker.

Vela also would likely be very proud to be potentially on Barcelona’s radar as it would further vindicate how successful he has been the last two years. This rumor and potential transfer could even raise the profile of the MLS in that the league has helped raise Vela’s form and put him back on the radar of Europe’s biggest clubs.

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