Mexico international Carlos Vela better be a member of a frequent flyer program because he sure has logged a lot of miles in his career for a 27-year-old. After beginning his youth career with Chivas in Guadalajara, he was signed by Arsenal as a teenager. Then came the loans. While waiting, and hoping, for his Arsenal career to take off, he spent time with Celta Vigo, Salamanca, Osasuna and West Bromwich Albion. Arsenal was still uninterested in keeping Vela with their first team. So when he was loaned to Real Sociedad, the Spanish side were able to make the move permanent in 2012.
Without a doubt, La Liga was a better fit for Carlos Vela. He quickly found his confidence and plenty of goals. However, as his career with Real Sociedad took off, his relationship with Mexico’s national team became a high school “hard to get” drama. Vela refused call ups to El Tri for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, World Cup Qualifiers, and the 2014 World Cup itself. One can only speculate on the drama behind the scenes, but needless to say, fans were left angry and confused.
This spring, Vela’s journey at Real Sociedad hit troubled waters. Rumors spread like wildfire after he missed training and a photo of him at a Chris Brown concert circulated the internet . The club suspended him for a match while social media had their say. Now, many believe it’s time for Carlos Vela to once again find a new club.
Excuse me, Mr. Vela…MLS is on line one.
Yes, the rumors of a move to MLS have already begun and Carlos Vela would be wise to jump at the chance. The precedent for a Mexican international in his prime to move to the United States has already been set by Giovani Dos Santos. If Vela does make the jump, his star-power would guarantee him a handsome Designated Player contract and celebrity status throughout the league. Specifically, a club like the Chicago Fire could be willing to turn over the keys to the franchise.
The Fire already once put their eggs in the basket of a Mexican star when they signed the legendary Cuauhtemoc Blanco in 2007. Chicago’s thriving Mexican population fell in love with him and the club, and everyone was happy. Now Carlos Vela could, and should, be their next Blanco. He would have a clean slate, a chance to play every day, and a clearer path back to El Tri.
MLS just might be the home that Vela has been looking for all this time.
