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LAFC allow Carlos Vela's contract to expire, remain 'in discussions' with the Mexican

Carlos Vela warms up before a 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One match against Vancouver Whitecaps
Carlos Vela warms up before a 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One match against Vancouver WhitecapsKelvin Kuo / Imagn Images
Former MLS Most Valuable Player Carlos Vela's (35) tenure with Los Angeles FC may be over after the club recently declined to activate its option for the 2025 season.

Vela signed a one-year contract in September with a club option for 2025 but saw only four minutes of playing time in an October 27 playoff game. During this off-season, the sides have been in talks regarding the Mexico native's status moving forward.

Vela, who holds the MLS record for goals in a season with 34 in 31 games in 2019, had originally left LAFC after his contract ran out following the 2023 season.

Over parts of six seasons with LAFC (2017-23), Vela totalled 78 goals and 58 assists in 152 games (127 starts) since being the first Designated Player in LAFC history in August 2017.

He also served as the captain of LAFC's Supporters' Shield teams in 2019 and 2022 and the team's 2022 MLS Cup championship. He took home the 2019 Golden Boot and was MLS MVP in 2019.

Along with Vela, LAFC also declined options for Marlon, Diego Rosales, Luis Muller and Kei Kamara. Ilie Sanchez, Erik Duenas, Jesus Murillo and Aaron Long are no longer under contract with the club.

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