Is Zlatan Ibrahimovic set to become the highest paid player in MLS history?

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Manchester United are facing a battle to keep hold of Zlatan Ibrahimovic amidst rumours that the striker could be set to depart Old Trafford in the summer.

The Guardian and The Telegraph are both reporting that American soccer franchise LA Galaxy are prepared to make the 35-year-old the highest paid player in Major League Soccer (MLS) history in a record-breaking deal.

Ibrahimovic joined Manchester United in the summer on a free transfer after his deal with Paris Saint-Germain expired at the end of last season. The charismatic Swede has been the standout performer for Jose Mourinho’s new-look team this campaign and has scored 26 goals, including the winning strikes in the Community Shield and League Cup finals. He has received praise from supporters, players and pundits alike for the quality of his performances and his ability to retain high levels of fitness. It could be argued that Ibrahimovich is like a fine wine – improving with age – as he has netted in excess of twenty goals in each of his last four seasons.

There is nothing to suggest that Ibrahimovic or Manchester United wish to part company anytime soon and Jose Mourinho has admitted that he admires the Swede for his influence both on and off the pitch. However, the striker’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season and there is no sign of a new deal being signed despite there being an option to of a twelve-month extension currently on the table. This has caught the attention of a number of clubs around the world and it would appear that LA Galaxy are willing to lead the race for his signature.

The Guardian and The Telegraph have both reported that LA Galaxy are willing to make Ibrahimovic the highest paid player in MLS history. The 35-year-old currently earns £11,000,000 a year at Manchester United whilst the current largest salary paid to a player in American domestic football was £5,900,000 for former AC Milan maestro Kaka who appeared for Orlando City in 2016. It is thought that LA Galaxy would be looking to offer the striker a deal worth significantly more than his current contract at Old Trafford.

Is a move likely?

It is impossible to say.

LA Galaxy were one of a number of clubs competing for Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s signature last summer after his contract expired at Paris Saint-Germain before Manchester United eventually agreed on a deal. It is thought that the Swede chose to move to Old Trafford because he was eager to parade his skill and talent in English football via the world renowned Premier League, something that he has undoubtedly been successful in doing so far this campaign. The Swede is a serial winner and it is unlikely that he will be willing to depart Manchester United without first making a significant number of additions to his considerable trophy collect – the opportunity to win a Premier League title next season could well be enough of an incentive for him to stay.

However, the offer of a new challenge in a different country and league could also be an attractive proposition for a player who has won trophies in Holland, Spain, France, Itlay and now England in what has been an illustrious career. Heading to American would allow the 35-year-old to display his ability to a new audience and further enhance his reputation as one of the sport’s most iconic figures. The main issue would be that a move to the MLS would more or less signify the end of Ibrahimovic’s career at the highest level of professional football – something that will not sit easily with the Swede.

What will the eventual outcome be?

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has proven this season that he still has the ability, talent, and determination to be a prominent force in one of Europe’s leading leagues. His performances for Manchester United, where he has scored 26 goals and been the stand out performer, suggest that that the 35-year-old still has plenty to offer despite his advancing years. A move to the MLS would be purely motivated by financial gain and could well signal the end of the Swede’s career in top-flight football.

Ibrahimovic is very much his own man but departing Old Trafford in the summer would make little sense from a playing perspective. However, this may well be an opportunity for the striker to negotiate a new contract at Manchester United, either with an extended deal or a larger wage packet, by using LA Galaxy’s interest as leverage.

What is indisputable is that the departure of the Swede would be a huge blow both to Jose Mourinho’s team and the Premier League.

Featured Image: All Rights Reserved Hattori Hanzo (Hattori Hanzo)