Mexico attacker Carlos Vela signs with Los Angeles FC

He’s the first major signing for the newest MLS club.

Los Angeles FC made a big splash recently when they announced the hiring of their first-ever manager in Bob Bradley, and on Tuesday they made another splash with their first major signing: now-former Real Sociedad striker Carlos Vela, who also plays a major role for Mexico’s national team. In fact, Vela himself confirmed the news Tuesday afternoon:

Vela, 28, is a big-time signing for LAFC, getting a key piece for their squad with lots of experience on a variety of fronts. He’s earned over 50 senior caps for Mexico with 17 goals for El Tri — including wearing the captain’s armband at times — has played in England for Arsenal and West Brom, and played more than 230 times and scored 72 goals for La Liga side Real Sociedad since joining them in 2011.

In fact, Vela will remain with Sociedad for the time being, with LAFC sending him back to Spain on loan until January so that he can continue to get playing time between now and the first match LAFC plays in MLS. He’ll still have some time off before the season starts, but not so much time that he’ll be rusty when he steps on the pitch in LA.

Vela is a dynamic attacker up top, able to switch between strong hold-up play and a more creative, driving presence at the tip of his team’s attack in the blink of an eye. He’s played up top, on the wing and behind a target man, so his versatility is a big plus. He’s a capable finisher and a great overall forward to build an attack around, and his presence is going to give Bob Bradley a lot of options when he’s building LAFC’s tactics next season.

The other thing that Vela is for LAFC is their first major signing. Until now, they’ve only signed a couple of younger players currently playing on loan in the USL — not bad pieces to have, but not players to build your new club around like Vela. He’s obviously just one piece of a very complicated puzzle for the fledgling club, but he’s a very, very good piece to have, and is a reason for LAFC fans to be excited for their club’s debut season.