Carlos Vela has an offer to join Barcelona, alleges Jonathan dos Santos
Getty
Former Barcelona star Jonathan dos Santos has claimed that MLS star Carlos Vela has received an offer from La Liga giants Barcelona after his sensational season. The former Arsenal forward scored an incredible 38 goals and added 12 assists to help LAFC finish at the top of the Western Conference.
The former Arsenal star was a target for Barcelona a year ago but the La Liga giants opted to bring in Kevin Prince Boateng instead with Vela staying in the MLS. Since then, the Mexican international has taken things to another level and finished 2019 with 50 goal contributions in just 36 games for LAFC and played a massive role in helping the club finish at the top of the Western Conference.
While they were beaten by Seattle Sounders in the final, Vela’s form and the fact that he managed to outshine Zlatan Ibrahimovic, during his spell with La Galaxy, won him plaudits. So much so, that former Barcelona man Jonathan dos Santos has claimed that Vela has an offer from the La Liga giants. The La Galaxy midfielder spent nearly nine years at Barcelona and also admitted that the opportunity to sign for the Catalan giants is something that Vela is considering.
"As I am now on vacation, I have not had much contact with him. But it is true, he has that offer on the table [from Barcelona]. I don't know what he's going to do. He's very happy in Los Angeles, he had a spectacular season, but Barca looking for you is a very nice opportunity. I'm happy for him. As a Mexican, I hope this possibility can be given,” said dos Santos reported Goal.
Experience wouldn’t be a problem for Vela, with the Mexican forward having racked up 250 appearances for Real Sociedad during his seven year spell with the club. However, he struggled to find the net regularly, netting just 73 goals and 45 assists before leaving for the MLS. The 30-year-old also made 33 appearances for CA Osasuna and spent six months Celta Vigo. Furthermore, the LAFC star has already admitted that he would be open to a move to Camp Nou.
"Who could say no to playing with Messi for four months and then coming back to LA? Enjoy, learn and then come back home," Vela told the New York Times in October.
