Details of a 12-month deal are being finalised between Bale and the MLS leaders, with the 32-year-old Bale to move to the US after spending most of the past nine years with Real Madrid.

His contract expires this summer, making him a free agent after his up-and-down tenure with the current Champions League winners finally ends.

Bale essentially confirmed the move with a tweet on Saturday, writing, "See you soon, Los Angeles," alongside a video of himself in an LAFC jersey and hat.

Bale is among the most dynamic attacking players of his generation when healthy and on a top team.

He scored 106 goals in 258 appearances for Madrid, which won five Champions League titles and three La Liga crowns during his tenure.

But Bale has played sparingly and occasionally ineffectively for Madrid in recent years. He made only seven appearances for the European champions this past season while struggling with several injuries.

Bale also went on a season-long loan to Tottenham in 2020-21, scoring 16 goals in 34 appearances for Spurs. The brilliant goal-scorer joined Madrid from Spurs in 2013 for a then-record transfer fee.

Bale was rumored to be considering retirement if Wales hadn't qualified for the World Cup, but his national team earned a place in Qatar last month.

Bale will be able to chase a trophy in Los Angeles while staying in shape for the rigours of the World Cup competition.

The MLS regular season ends October 9, while the MLS Cup Final -- the last potential game of the MLS season -- is scheduled for November 5, just over two weeks before the start of the World Cup.

Bale and Chiellini both would be eligible to debut for LAFC after the secondary transfer window opens on July 7. LAFC hosts the archrival LA Galaxy on July 8.

Australian Associated Press