Vela: 'I was really close' to joining Barcelona in January

LAFC superstar Carlos Vela has revealed he was on the verge of a loan move to Barcelona during the January transfer window.

The Blaugrana, who were in the market for a backup forward at the time, ultimately made the surprise decision to sign Kevin-Prince Boateng. The ex-Ghanaian international only made four appearances for Ernesto Valverde before returning to parent club Sassuolo this summer.

Though the 30-year-old didn't detail why the switch failed to materialize, Vela said he gave his agent the green light to complete the deal.

"I was really close (to joining Barca)," Vela told "BS The Podcast." "In my second month of holidays ... I was there with my pina colada ... (and) my agent called me and said, 'Look, Barcelona is calling you. They want you to play for four months and then you can come back to L.A.'

"I said: 'Say yes, I don't care how much money, I don't care about nothing. Let me start training tomorrow. Give me four weeks or two weeks to be a little bit fit and then we'll make it.'"

The Mexican attacker is in the midst of a dominant season with the Los Angeles-based side. His 27 goals lead Major League Soccer and his 15 assists are tied for second-most in the league.

Powered by Vela, league-leading LAFC are racing toward the Supporters' Shield and are the overwhelming favorites to capture the MLS Cup.