Where next for Zlatan Ibrahimovic?

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is set to become a free agent when the MLS season comes to a close and a return to European football could be on the agenda. The veteran striker could play his final game for LA Galaxy this weekend as Guillermo Barros Schelotto’s men take on Minnesota United in the first round of this season’s MLS play-offs on Sunday night (the game is due to start at 1.30am Monday BST).
The former Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and AC Milan striker hasn’t decided on his next move yet but intends to carry on playing.
At 38, Ibrahimovic should probably be preparing for a career in coaching, punditry or perhaps just admiring the 8ft 9in tall bronze statue built in his honour in his hometown of Malmo, Sweden. However, he says he still has the desire to continue on the pitch.
In an interview with Italy’s Gazzetta dello Sport, he explained he still has the “enthusiasm of a boy” but will have to find “something special” to continue playing.
Ibrahimovic also revealed a desire to join Napoli as he wants to follow in the footsteps of Diego Maradona but it remains to be seen if the Partenopei would be tempted to offer him a deal.
Former clubs United and Milan have also been mentioned as potential suitors and arguably both are in greater need of a striker than Napoli at this point.
United in particular are lacking an out-and-out centre-forward after selling Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan during the summer.
The Old Trafford outfit have scored just nine goals in eight games so far this season and are understood to be on the hunt for a new striker, with Juventus’ Mario Mandzukic a reported target.
Milan have endured a similarly disappointing start to the Serie A season as they are down in 13th spot in the standings and have managed just six goals in their seven games so far, with Stefano Piolo now in charge after the club decided to call time on Marco Giampaolo’s time as manager.
Both United and the Rossoneri look low on belief and signing Ibrahimovic could well prove a masterstroke for either of the struggling giants. The former Sweden striker may as well be confidence in a bottle and his arrival could provide a huge boost for the respective squads at the San Siro and Old Trafford.
It remains to be seen if Ibrahimovic could still have the same impact in one of Europe’s big leagues after his two-year stint in MLS.
The nine-time Ballon d’Or nominee made the All-Star team in both of his seasons across the Atlantic and scored an impressive 52 goals in 56 appearances.
The striker may have lost some of his pace in recent years but that was never been one of his strongest attributes anyway and there are a few clubs who could do worse than offer him a deal in January.
Ibrahimovic may not be a long-term option for any interested side although he could well be a quick fix for some, and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see either United or Milan take the gamble if their struggles continue.