Former MLS MVP Carlos Vela is finalizing a deal to return to the club, an AP source says

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles FC is finalizing a deal to re-sign former Major League Soccer MVP Carlos Vela for the playoff push, a person with knowledge of the decision tells The Associated Press.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity Friday night because the deal hasn't been completed. The move is expected to be formally announced in the coming days as LAFC gears up to chase its second MLS title.

Vela was the first player in LAFC history when the Mexican star left Real Sociedad to sign with the expansion MLS club, which began play in 2018. Vela was a dominant MLS forward for a half-decade with LAFC, and he won the league's MVP award in 2019 while also leading MLS in goals.

The 35-year-old Vela also was a key member of LAFC's MLS Cup championship team in 2022, but he has been out of soccer since last winter, when his LAFC contract ended and wasn't renewed.