Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s latest voyage in American football has come to an end after an entertaining 20 months. The 38-year-old had joined LA Galaxy after an injury cut his tenure at Manchester United short, but has shown that he doesn’t plan on slowing down.
He scored 53 goals while chipping in with 14 assists in 56 appearances for the Galaxy. His numbers couldn’t bring a title to the franchise, but brought press attention like they hadn’t seen since David Beckham joined the club.
Now that Zlatan has confirmed his exit, the question everyone is asking is ‘what’s next’? Let’s take a look at a few possible destinations for the Big Swede.
AC Milan
Zlatan made his name by dominating in the Italian Serie A. He first played for Juventus, where he won two championships. He then moved on to Inter Milan, where he won three championships and one scoring title. His final Italian club was AC Milan, where he won a championship and yet another scoring title.
The Swede is familiar with AC Milan and the Italian League, so it would be a natural fit. Considering Milan could really use a goal-scoring threat like Ibrahimovic to boost their Champions League qualification bid, Zlatan may just be the answer to their problems.
Napoli
A return to Italy seems the most likely move for Zlatan right now, so why not link up with former manager Carlo Ancelotti at Napoli? Ancelotti managed Zlatan for a year when he was in Paris Saint-Germain. Ibra has spoken about how Ancelotti was one of the better coaches he played for, with Ancelotti having been equally appreciative of Zlatan.
Napoli are currently struggling in the Serie A. While they were expected to challenge for the championship, they currently languish in 7th place, 13 points off the top. Zlatan’s addition can revitalise the squad and help them mount a fresh challenge for the title.
Bologna
This seems the most bizarre, but there have been multiple reports that Zlatan feels tempted to join Bologna. Bologna are a team with very little heritage, no notable players and currently are in the relegation battle in 15th place. Which is why it may just be the perfect challenge for Zlatan.
Zlatan played alongside Bologna manager Sinisa Mihajlovic when he was at Inter Milan, and may just link up with him again. Bologna can make a push for a mid-table finish in the Serie A with the attacking prowess that Zlatan will bring to the club.
Manchester United
The town of Manchester is a familiar place for Zlatan Ibrahimovic. After his four-year stint with PSG in France, Zlatan landed in Manchester to play for Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United. Zlatan’s impact was massive, as he scored 28 goals in his first season before tearing his ACL in February, which ended his season.
Zlatan’s return in late 2017 didn’t work, as he was still recovering from injury. He was subsequently released so he could join LA Galaxy. Now that he is back to full fitness, Ole Gunnar Sojskaer’s goal shy Manchester United could use Zlatan for their Europa League push, as well as a top-4 finish in an increasingly competitive Premier League.
Boca Juniors
Zlatan moving to Argentina and playing out his career in Boca Juniors seems so off-beat that it is probably the most Zlatan move ever. Boca Juniors are one of the most decorated football clubs in the entire world and getting Zlatan to play for them may just be the right move.
Zlatan can slot in perfectly next to former Manchester United and Juventus striker Carlos Tevez and former Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi. Boca already look like they may be winning the Argentinian Primera Division and adding Zlatan can turn that into a sure thing.
Inter Miami
While Zlatan did imply he will be leaving American football all together, the prospect of teaming up with former Galaxy legend David Beckham for his new team may just be the ideal move for the Swede.
Zlatan has made himself familiar with American audiences and knows how the game is played in the MLS. He would be the perfect signing for Inter Miami, who will be launching in 2020. Zlatan can set a team culture and be the focal point of attack to lead the new team to success.
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