San Jose Earthquakes in negotiations to sign free agent Carlos Vela

San Jose Earthquakes are in negotiations with free agent forward Carlos Vela, according to reports.

With Cade Cowell departing earlier in the transfer window, the Earthquakes appear to be moving to try to bring in the 35-year-old who can play up front and center or out on the wing. San Jose’s forward line would instantly become one of the most exciting groups with Cristian Espinoza and Amahl Pellegrino on the wings and Vela up front.

Tom Bogert of The Athletic revealed San Jose are in ‘advanced talks’ with Vela and that he would be a Designated Player alongside Espinoza and Carlos Gruezo.

Vela has also been in talks with the Black and Gold to re-sign and join the likes of Denis Bouanga and Cristian Olivera up front, but nothing has materialized as of yet. The former Real Sociedad and Arsenal is LAFC’s all-time top goalscorer with 93 goals in 188 appearances across all competitions, and he was key in their 2022 Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup victories.

Although he’s getting up there in age, Vela still bagged 14 goals in all competitions in 2023 and is still a lethal finisher in front of goal and just might be what San Jose need to clinch a playoff spot in 2024.

San Jose return to action Saturday night to play host to in-state rivals LA Galaxy at PayPal Park, while LAFC hit the road for the first time this season to take on Real Salt Lake at America First Field.