Once again, larger than life Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is being linked with a move to L.A. Galaxy. Ibrahimovic continues rehabilitating his knee at Manchester United’s training facilities, posting an Instagram story that conveys his progress. Out of action since Boxing Day, there have been reports he could return to full training this week.
There have also been reports from ESPN FC, who claim a number of sources have told them the Galaxy are close to agreeing on a deal with United to acquire the center forward. Referring back to the transfer rumors of last summer, ESPN writes that the move is “the furthest along it has ever been.”
They also add: “The recent signing of Alexis Sanchez would appear to further limit the amount of playing time Ibrahimovic will be able to find with United.”
The two sides were close to a deal last year, but Ibrahimovic’s knee injury towards the end of the UEFA Europa League competition in April destroyed the deal’s chances. Ibrahimovic returned to action in the fall, much earlier than had been expected. However, he just has not come even remotely close to resembling his previous fine form.
Zlatan led United in scoring by a very large margin last season, having moved to Old Trafford on a free transfer the previous summer from Paris Saint-Germain. His one year deal with United expired, and he became a free agent, with the Galaxy then a potential landing spot.
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 narratives continue re-emerging.
At a beach party that kicked off MLS All-Star week in Chicago last summer, we asked former Chicago Fire and United States Men’s National Team star Brian McBride about the idea of Zlatan Ibrahimovic in MLS. Read what he said at this link.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and the Tribune company’s blogging community Chicago Now.
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