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Barcelona signing this 53-goal MLS superstar would be a wasteful move by Valverde

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Why Vela to Barcelona would be an unnecessary move

LA Galaxy midfielder Jonathan dos Santos while talking to Colombian radio station W Radio (h/t MLS Soccer) said that his national teammate Carlos Vela is a winter target of Barcelona.

The Mexican claimed that the offer from Barcelona was on the table and that he had no clue what plans Vela had in his mind, the report added.

However, Dos Santos also noted later in the interview that he had not spoken to his teammate since the Major League Soccer’s (MLS) Most Valuable Player left for vacation, the report claims. Meanwhile, Barcelona sources have strongly denied any such offers from their part, as per an ESPN report.

Los Angeles FC forward Carlos Vela. (Getty Images)

The 30-year-old Vela scored a single-season record of 34 goals from 31 matches and was instrumental in helping his side Los Angeles FC (LAFC) clinch the Supporters’ Shield with a regular-season record 72 points in 2019.

His incredible displays in front of goal also won him the Landon Donovan MLS MVP award – his first since being signed by the American outfit back in August 2017.

The Mexican international scored a whopping 36 goals from 33 games across all competitions last year with LAFC, where he served as the captain under head coach Bob Bradley.

Vela now has 53 goals and 23 assists from 67 games for the Los Angeles side, making him one of the hottest stars to play in MLS.

Vela in full swing against FC Cincinnati. (Getty Images)

Before his entry into the MLS, the left-footed forward has had stints with La Liga side Real Sociedad and was also a part of Premier League club Arsenal. He also had loan spells at a host of Spanish sides such as UD Salamanca, Osasuna, Celta Vigo, and Sociedad.

Barcelona, meanwhile, are first in the table and things have gone according to plan for the La Liga champions so far. They have scored the maximum number of goals – 41, which is higher than any other Spanish side this season.

Manager Ernesto Valverde owes it all to his attacking trio of Luis Suarez (8 goals), Lionel Messi (12) and new summer signing Antoine Griezmann (5).

Apart from this front three, Barcelona also have another striker in their ranks – the young Ansu Fati. He is just 17 but has already proven his mettle by scoring 3 goals this season. He was also on the scoresheet recently, when Barcelona defeated Inter Milan by a narrow 2-1 margin.

Vela while playing for Real Sociedad.
Vela while playing for Real Sociedad. (Getty Images)

Though Vela’s performances of late have been top-notch, Barcelona are clearly in no need of any attacking reinforcements. The arrival of 2018 World Cup winner Griezmann is a major addition to an ageing but hugely talented Barcelona side.

Also, the young Fati’s quick rise into the senior side offers them hopes of a fruitful future. Meanwhile, Vela is in his thirties now and will not get any younger. Hence, a move for the seasoned Vela seems out of question for Barcelona.

Verdict

With as many as four forwards already in the squad, Vela would just be another unnecessary addition to the Barcelona side if at all a deal happens.

Barcelona forward Ansu Fati.
Barcelona forward Ansu Fati. (Getty Images)

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Also, the squad already looks pretty aged with as many as eight players already in their thirties. Hence, a move to Camp Nou for the Mexican seems senseless.