Zlatan Ibrahimovic rarely follows someone else’s lead, but he might buck his own trend with his next career move.
The Manchester United star told reporters this week in Sweden he’s tempted by the idea of playing in Major League Soccer. His contract with Manchester United will expire in June, and he’s expected to leave the Premier League club this offseason as a free agent.
Fourteen of Ibrahimovic’s countrymen have played in MLS since 1998. Ibrahimovic, Sweden’s greatest-ever player, easily would surpass former Seattle Sounders and Chicago Fire winger Freddie Ljungerg as the most prominent among them.
“I did not know that several Swedes went to MLS,” Ibrahimovic said, per Sky Sports. “That means it’s tempting to play in the United States.”
Rumors have linked Ibrahimovic, 36, with a potential move to the Los Angeles Galaxy or Los Angeles FC. He also spoke of his affection for the city.
“Los Angeles is a nice city and I’ve been there a lot on vacation,” he said. “It is laid back.”
However, he refused to clarify speculation about his future, choosing to fuel it in his unique way, instead.
“I think it’s rumours all the time (about my future). When I play and when I do not play it is rumours. That’s good – that means I live.”
MLS’ primary transfer window closes May 1. The secondary window will be open between July 10 and August 9.
Ibrahimovic has five-plus months to ponder how he’ll respond to MLS temptation. That timespan will tell whether a soccer legend like him can resist the lure.
