Ageing striker’s long-awaited move to US is done, but the entire enterprise feels like an unwelcome throwback for MLS
It had become the worst kept secret in soccer. This was a transfer that followed the usual course of conjecture: there was a public courting, months of tabloid speculation and, of course, stories of the player concerned hunting for a new home in the local area, the mark of any mega move played out through the press. Finally, on Thursday, it became apparent that Zlatan Ibrahimovic was set to become an LA Galaxy player, with the Swede’s contract at Manchester United terminated. On Friday, it became official.
Ibrahimovic makes ripples wherever he goes, such is his nature, and it will be no different in California. He is the highest profile player to have joined an MLS club since Kaka in 2014. News of his signing will be covered around the world, piercing the American mainstream in the way that is used as a metric by some in MLS. Inevitably, he will come out with a bombastic quote to make headlines upon his unveiling at StubHub Center. This is, after all, what it means to Dare to Zlatan.
Related: 'Dear Los Angeles, you're welcome': Zlatan Ibrahimovic joins the Galaxy
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