Ibrahimovic to hold United talks as striker sets his heart on staying
Zlatan Ibrahimovic will hold talks with Manchester United about his future this summer with the Swedish striker keen to stay at Old Trafford despite the possibility of not playing again this year.
Ibrahimovic is facing up to nine months out after rupturing the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments in his right knee during United’s Europa League quarterfinal against Anderlecht in April and his contract with the club is due to expire on June 30.
But United, who have an option to extend Ibrahimovic’s deal by 12 months, have not ruled out retaining his services and have been heartened by the encouraging early signs in his recovery.
It is understood that Dr Freddie H Fu, the Pittsburgh-based surgeon who carried out the operation on Ibrahimovic, felt the 35-year-old’s knee was almost worthy of being used as a case study such was its good condition, with the player himself uploading a video showing him volleying a football alongside a caption reading: “Lions don’t recover like humans.”
United are acutely aware of the impact Ibrahimovic had on the dressing-room, squad and around the club in general last season, when he scored 28 goals, and are keeping close tabs on his recovery.
Los Angeles Galaxy, the Major League Soccer franchise, are among several clubs interested in Ibrahimovic. But Ibrahimovic’s agent, Mino Raiola, indicated his client’s preference would be to remain at Old Trafford and they plan to hold discussions with United.
Asked if Ibrahimovic wants to stay at United Raiola told Talksport: “Oh, yes. He wants to stay in England, he wants to stay at the top, and if he sees that he can be a valuable asset for Manchester United, then why not Manchester United?
“He can be a valuable asset for some other top clubs also. But I think it is respectful to talk to Manchester United and to see what all parties want. We have a lot of offers and ideas and we have to evaluate them. He has had a fantastic time at Manchester United and it is up to the club and myself to see what the future brings. For now, it is important he recovers well and then we will see.”
Whether Jose Mourinho, the United manager, opts to move for another target- man in Ibrahimovic’s absence remains to be seen but the club are confident of signing Antoine Griezmann from Atlético Madrid. Atlético are expected to discover today whether a ban preventing them from signing players this summer for breaching rules over the transfer of foreign players under 18 will be lifted.
If it is, it could help to boost United’s prospects of wrapping up a deal for striker Griezmann swiftly, although if Mourinho triggers the €100 million (£87million) release clause in the player’s contract the Spanish club will be powerless to prevent him leaving regardless of the outcome of their transferban appeal.
Griezmann is understood to have informed Atlético he wants to leave and was vague when asked about his future yesterday while on international duty with France.
“I am happy at my club. My agents are talking with Atlético, so we will see what happens. My future will be decided this summer,” Griezmann said. “But as I have said, I am happy here [at Atlético]. I have spoken to my coach [Diego Simeone], with [team-mates] Koke and [Diego] Godín. It’s in the hands of the club president [Enrique Cerezo]. We will see how it will all go.”
Meanwhile, Louis van Gaal is due to return to Old Trafford to attend Michael Carrick’s testimonial on Sunday for the first time since being sacked by the club in May last year. The Dutchman was aggrieved by the manner of his dismissal only three days after winning the FA Cup but is expected to attend the charity match.