The big Swede's release from Man Utd was confirmed today and he is now a free agent.
It was confirmed today that Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been released by Manchester United after scoring 28 goals and winning the League Cup and the Europa League with the club last season. As important as he was to Man Utd, he is currently undergoing rehab for a serious knee injury and is not expected back until well into next season. At 35-years-old, there are doubts about whether he will return to his best. So who will take a chance on the big Swede for next season?
Any MLS Club
The United States is a popular destination these days for players in the twilight of their careers. You just have to look at recent examples of Gerrard, Lampard, Pirlo et al. Clubs in the MLS would have no problem affording his wages and would make most of it back on shirt sales anyway. It is his most likely destination and he is 6/5 to make the move across the pond.
AC Milan
The Rossoneri, under new ownership of a wealthy Chinese consortium, are looking to announce themselves back on the European stage after a number of disappointing years. They have already signed three players this summer, including highly rated left back Ricardo Rodriguez, and are by no means stopping here. AC Milan is one of Zlatan’s old stomping grounds and the bookies make him 10/1 to make a return.
Any Chinese Club
With the sums of money on offer in the Chinese Super League at the moment, most players heads are turned. The bookies make him a 12/1 shot to be there after the summer. There’s no doubt he would have offers from clubs but it is whether the player would fancy making the move over to China.
Malmo FF
Zlatan’s boyhood club and where he first started, you can get a massive 33/1 for him to return home. Ibra has expressed his desire to go back and play there one day. After travelling with the Sweden squad for a friendly at their home ground last summer, he had to sit out with a calf injury. He addressed the fans before kick-off, saying “I love Malmo and I wish I could play. I apologise for that, but I will, I will. Just wait for me."
