Will we see Ibra in the Premier League next season? / Image via the guardian.com
Sadly for the French fans, Paris Saint-Germain will not be replacing the Eiffel Tower with the statue of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, so we should all start thinking about which club Ibra will continue his career at.
The big Swede has won his fourth successive Ligue 1 title at the weekend, and he has done it in style.
Paris Saint-Germain trashed Troyes 9-0 last time out to officially retain the domestic crown, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic scoring four in the comprehensive triumph.
Even though French championship is not among the most competitive tournaments in the world, not a single person can begrudge Zlatan’s incredible achievements.
Despite the age of 34 which Swedish striker only considers a number, PSG key man has been in superb form over the course of the running campaign having scored 31 goals in all competitions for Les Parisiens.
Ibra has also become the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, but the time of his departure is getting close.
With his current deal with the French giants winding up at the end of the season, fans were hoping that Ibra might opt to extend his stay in France, but that will not happen.
“Replace Eiffel Tower with my statue and I will stay”, he said in what has been one of his most memorable quotes.
Young in his mind, desire and determination, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is adamant he has another couple of years to perform at the highest level and has already suggested that the summer will bring a “big surprise”.
Having already played in France, Spain and Italy, Zlatan Ibrahimovic could only opt for Bundesliga or Premier League.
English top tier is my choice and I firmly believe we will finally get to welcome Ibra in the Premiership next season.
So, where could he go?
Ibra will lack no offers from the biggest English clubs, but the Swede will carefully wait for the end of the season before making his final decision.
There are two aspects that need to be taken into consideration when analysing Ibra’s potential new club: finances, and competitive angle.
Not many clubs around the globe can afford to even think of acquiring Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but given the financial stability and dominance of the Premier League sides and the new bumper TV deal that comes into effect at the beginning of new season, couple of more names than what could be expected are likely to engage in a tug of war for the talismanic striker.
I’ll rule out soon-to-be Guardiola’s Manchester City right from the start, given their turbulent history back in Barcelona, but here are some other choices:
Manchester United
Red Devils could be a choice, more so if Jose Mourinho does come to replace Louis van Gaal at the end of the season. Portuguese manager and Swedish striker are great friends from days at Inter and their reunion will be a huge marketing hit as well for the Old Trafford club.
If they intend to bring Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Manchester United will first have to bolster their chances of playing European football next season.
Currently in sixth, Red Devils are four points adrift of the desired Champions League position, which will be one of Zlatan’s main conditions and prerequisites.
Chelsea
Blues are believed to have already offered Ibrahimovic a two-year deal worth £186,000-a-week to come to Stamford Bridge in the summer.
Money is no problem for Roman Abramovic, who will have to urge Guus Hiddink to overcome the on-pitch struggles and earn his team a place in the Champions League if Ibra is to take Chelsea’s offer into consideration.
With Chelsea even further down the Premier League table than United, eleven points short of the fourth place, their chances are getting slimmer every day.
Liverpool
Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be tempted to work with the man of his liking as Jurgen Klopp’s charisma and character are enough of a reason for players to choose Liverpool without second-guessing.
There would hardly be a more entertaining player-coach combination in the world of football and this option would definitely be the one to look forward to.
Jurgen Klopp is struggling to find the cutting edge in attack and Ibrahimovic’s arrival would revamp the forward line completely, much to the satisfaction of Liverpool fans.
As Liverpool are making serious progress in Europa League, Ibahimovic’s main demand of playing Champions League next season could be accomplished through winning the next best thing that guarantees promotion to Europe’s elite competition as of last season.
Arsenal
Ironically, it would be a fitting ending to his top-class career.
Don’t forget that Arsene Wenger insulted young Ibrahimovic in 2000 by offering his a trial at Arsenal, when Ibrahimovic famously responded with “Zlatan doesn’t do auditions” before joining Ajax instead.
To make irony even greater, Arsene Wenger could be the one leaving the club at the end of the season which would just put an additional twist to Ibra’s potential arrival.
Arsenal’s style of play suits Zlatan, who would put Gunners’ title ambitions on another level.
Leicester City
Why not? Foxes would be that big surprise Zlatan was talking about, albeit that he could be urged to cut his demands in order for Leicester City to finance the move.
Competetive challenge is there, Leicester City stand at 5/6 to win the Premier League, which would mean the automatic promotion to the UEFA Champions League and Zlatan’s potential arrival would also help Ranieri to keep his prised possessions – Vardy and Mahrez.
Which club do you reckon could land Zlatan Ibrahimovic at the end of the season?
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