LAFC means business this summer. After capturing Welsh superstar forward Gareth Bale, the MLS side is now reportedly close to sealing a deal for former Barcelona star winger Cristian Tello.
According to multiple reports, Tello, who is a free agent, has already agreed on a three-year deal with the Los Angeles team. He will play out the 2022 season as a Designated Player before continuing on Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) player. The contract was most likely structured this way because Bale is currently on a TAM contract but has an option to take the DP spot in 2023.
LAFC has not yet finalized the deal because they are waiting for Uruguay international Brian Rodriguez to depart the club. That should happen soon, as Rodriguez is expected to join Mexico’s Club America.
Cristian Tello spent the 2021-22 season with La Liga side Real Betis. He made 35 appearances in all competitions while scoring five goals and dishing three assists to help the club fifth in the domestic competition and win Copa del Rey.
Tello is best known for his time with Barca, where he was a key rotational player during the La Liga-winning campaign in 2012-13. He later lost his place in the team and spent time with Porto and Fiorentina on loan before securing a permanent move to Betis in 2017. The 31-year-old player has one senior team appearance for Spain.
