A young promising Mexican forward, Carlos Vela was signed by Arsenal after impressing for Guadalajara and Mexican youth set up. He had lit up the 2005 Under 17 Championship and was certainly one of the hottest young strikers in the world at the time. Unfortunately upon arriving in London, he was unable to make an appearance after complications over a work permit. This prompted an immediate loan to Celta Vigo, which was a disastrous move as he played no games for the Galician based club.
It was the seasons after he made his name in Spain, at Salamanca he enjoyed a successful loan spell scoring eight goals during his time there. His success at Salamanca saw a flurry of La Liga clubs flock to attempt to sign him on loan. Osasuna were successful in landing Vela, in his time in Pamplona he managed four goals. With the game against Betis being where he gave the Spanish a real taste of the real Carlos Vela. After a disappointing few years trying to make his way in England with Arsenal and then on loan to West Brom. Vela again moved back to Northern Spain, initially on loan move to Real Sociedad. With 12 goals while on loan, he was snapped up for 4m.
The move rejuvenated his career, Spanish football had long suited the Mexican and Real Sociedad provided a vibrant setting for Vela. Talk of Champions League qualification has swept across the Basque city of San Sebastian, which seems surreal for a side living in the shadow of their near neighbours- Athletic Bilbao. Carlos Vela has gave them the dynamic up front which has driven them to near the summit of La Liga.
There has been some murmurs of an return to Arsenal, however the number Arsenal fans who want him back at the Emirates are very few as they feel the move would result in a similar treatment of the striker like last time he was at the club- limited chances of first team football. Carlos Vela has made it clear he does not want a reunion at Arsenal: ‘Arsenal are a big team who gave me the opportunity to play in Europe. I will always remember that, but I didn’t have the opportunities that I felt I deserved.” At Arsenal he was often overlooked, ignored for the wasteful Nicklas Bentender who seemingly could only find the net for his national side.
The future beholds a lot for Carlos Vela, it has been refreshing to see him as one of the finest strikers in La Liga and the movement of the Mexican national team suggests he could have a huge say in Brazil in 2014. Perhaps next season he can be the instigator in another Spanish surprise in Europe’s premier competition in the form of Real Sociedad.