The rumors about Zlatan Ibrahimovic heading to MLS have been constant over the last several months, and they didn’t even die down after the Manchester United striker suffered aseason-endinginjury in April.
But now it appears that a move to the United States isn’t in Ibrahimovic’s plans, even if he doesn’t stay with Manchester United, according to his agent.
“I do not know if he will stay at Manchester United, many clubs want him,” agent Mino Raiola reportedly told Sky Sports. “He has many offers, certainly he will stay in Europe.”
“Ibrahimovic will certainly play for another season or probably two,” he said. “We will talk about his future with United.”
That will probably disappoint MLS fans, who were hoping the frequent rumors of Ibrahimovic coming stateside as a Designated Player were true. Ibra had been linked to the LA Galaxy, a club that not only is capable of splashing the cash needed, but is also located in Los Angeles, a favorite destination of superstar players. Rumors had been swirling about Ibrahimovic landing with the Galaxy or expansion team LAFC, and reports back in March said the Galaxy had made an offer to Ibrahimovic that would make him one of the league’s most expensive players ever.
But now it looks like Ibra will definitely remain in Europe, which opens a whole new set of questions about the 35-year-old’s future.
He was perhaps the most effective player for Man United this season, scoring 28 goals — far more than anyone else on the team. But battling back from a torn ACL tear at his age in time to be in good form for Man United next season may prove to be a tall order. Jose Mourinho has never been a manager reluctant to move on from veteran players, as we saw with the likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Wayne Rooney.
Ibra could potentially go back to his homeland, Sweden, where he first started his career, or to France, where he broke out as a star in world soccer. But we probably won’t have a better idea until his recovery is further along.
Whatever Zlatan ends up doing will hinge on how quickly and how well he can recover from his ACL year. But for now, it looks like MLS is not his preferred option.