One of the main Manchester United storylines this summer, the future of striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic reached resolution today. It has been confirmed, via the Premier League, that Ibrahimovic will not return to Old Trafford for another go-around. His time in a United shirt is now officially over.
Ibrahimovic came over on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, and his current one year deal expires the end of the month.
The larger than life personality and Swedish superstar was far and away United’s leading scorer this past season, but suffered a serious knee injury late season, that leaves him out of action until at least the beginning of 2018. The ACL tear Ibrahimovic suffered on April 20th, not doubt played a major role in United’s decision to not exercise the one-year extension option on his contract.
Zlatan has reportedly received very lucrative offers from both Los Angeles Major League Soccer franchises, but it remains to be seen if both the Galaxy and LAFC are still as interested given the knee injury. Ibra was named the 30th richest athlete in the world by Forbes earlier this week, so he can take his time finding the right destination.
He’s obviously not hurting for money.
The 2018 MLS season begins in March, so that timetable could gel pretty well with Ibrahimovic’s recovery. Zlatan’s former Man United mate Bastian Schweinsteiger made the move to MLS, joining the Chicago Fire. Towards the end of the season, Schweinsteiger publicly advocated that Ibrahimovic join him in MLS.
Watch this space.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes to WGN CLTV and KOZN.
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