Transfer rumors: Zlatan Ibrahimovic set to join LA Galaxy

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is reportedly set to join MLS’s LA Galaxy after being released by Manchester United.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is coming to America. Marca reported on Saturday that the Swedish forward, who was released by Manchester United this week, will move to the LA Galaxy this offseason.

The 35-year-old is currently recovering from ligament damage, but should be ready for MLS preseason, which begins in March.

Ibrahimovic would be joining one of the most storied franchises in MLS history, and one with a long track record of bringing in big stars from overseas.

David Beckham was the most high profile player to make the move to MLS late in his career, the Englishman’s arrival paving the way for the likes of Thierry Henry, Andrea Pirlo and David Villa to make the move to the U.S.

The Galaxy have won five MLS Cups since 2002, although they’ve struggled this season, and sit eighth in the Western Conference, a point out of the playoff places.

MLS has made an effort in recent seasons to move away from its reputation as a retirement home for aging stars from overseas, but while Ibrahimovic is certainly aging (not to mention coming off a serious injury), there’s still reason to believe he can make a difference.

In 2016-17, Ibrahimovic scored 17 goals in 28 league matches for Manchester United, and 28 in 41 in all competitions. That’s a very impressive return given it was his first season in England, and United were still getting to grips with life under Jose Mourinho.

Next: Top 10 international players to play in MLS

The Swede’s game should age well as long as he’s motivated, but the knee injury he sustained in the Europa League quarterfinal against Anderlecht raises serious concerns. If he’s able to pick up where he left off with United — and this is Zlatan we’re talking about, so we can’t rule anything out — LA will have acquired one of the best players in MLS.