The future of larger than life Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic remains a mystery. Ibrahimovic has been consistently linked with a move to L.A. Galaxy while he continues his rehabilitation at Manchester United’s training facilities. The L.A. Galaxy’s signing of Villarreal’s Jonathan dos Santos last week likely rules them out now as an Ibra landing spot.
Zlatan led United in scoring by a very large margin last season, but tore up his knee towards the end of the UEFA Europa League competition. He is expected to return late this calendar year or perhaps in early 2018, but word is that he’s ahead of schedule with his rehab. United Manager Jose Mourinho has made remarks that, if you read in between in lines, imply that the door is open for an Old Trafford return.
Zlatan moved to United on a free transfer last summer from Paris Saint-Germain, signing a one year deal with United. Old Trafford decided not to renew, meaning he’s currently a free agent. Ibra has been often linked with moves to Major League Soccer in recent years, and with the league’s reputation for signing European stars over the age of 35, it’s only natural that Ibrahimovic links have emerged.
At a beach party that kicked off MLS All-Star week in Chicago, former Chicago Fire and United States Men’s National Team star Brian McBride met with the media and fans. In a small group interview session, following a media beach exhibition friendly (Lord help anyone who had to witness that!), McBride said this about the idea of Zlatan Ibrahimovic in MLS:
“Zlatan would be amazing here.”
“The biggest thing I think when players and goal scorers come is the physicality. Because of the amount of holding that’s allowed in this league. You’re not going to he able to hold Zlatan.”
“So he would be amazing in this league. Certainly that would be a player, who would bring even more attention and more excitement,” the USMNT and local Chicago legend continued.
Bastian Schweinsteiger was with Zlatan Ibrahimovic at United for about three quarters of this past season until making a move to Chicago Fire in March. It wasn’t long until after his move to Chicago, and an adjustment period to MLS the Schweinsteiger suggested, and even advocated, Ibrahimovic cross the pond and play in MLS.
It will be interesting to see what Ibrahimovic decides to do next. Led by head coaches McBride andMike Magee, the MLS Homegrown Team will take on the Chivas de Guadalajara Under-20s in the 2017 MLS Homegrown Game tomorrow night.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV.
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