Report: Ibrahimovic in discussions to play in MLS; would join LA Galaxy
Pending free agent Zlatan Ibrahimovic is in talks with Major League Soccer over a potential move to the LA Galaxy, sources told ESPN FC's Jeff Carlisle and Doug McIntyre.
Galaxy president Chris Klein declined to comment on any negotiations, but one source told the network "it's going to happen." Another said discussions were currently "delicate."
Manchester United and AC Milan have emerged in recent days as possible next stops for the 34-year-old Swede, although his wage demands - reportedly £300,000 a week after taxes - could limit his options.
Related - Report: Manchester United emerges as favourite to sign Ibrahimovic
The Galaxy's situation is no easier to negotiate. The California-based club has already used up all three of its Designated Player slots and a significant portion of its targeted allocation money, with Giovani Dos Santos, Steven Gerrard, and Robbie Keane earning exceptional salaries.
Midfielder Nigel de Jong is expected to assume Gerrard's DP position once the former Liverpool captain's 18-month contract expires. But Carlisle and McIntyre note that the 35-year-old Keane could retire at the end of the season to make way for Ibrahimovic.
The five-time MLS champion could also potentially sign the outgoing Paris Saint-Germain striker and immediately send him on loan to a European team until space opens up.
The Galaxy would first have to obtain Ibrahimovic's discovery rights, which the Philadelphia Union own. That would most likely involve a five- or six-figure fee, a relative kick in the wallet in a much more complex deal.