According to multiple reports coming out of Italy, Zlatan Ibrahimović will shortly be extending his contract with AC Milan. Nicolò Schira, a reputable source for Milan, announced on Twitter that Ibrahimović will be extending for another season at seven million Euros per year. Daniele Longo of Calcio Mercato and Pietro Balzano Prota of Firs1 were also quick to announce the updates. A renewal is clearly on the horizon. Fabrizio Romano, too, suggested a Zlatan Ibrahimović renewal is edging closer.
Zlatan Ibrahimović Renewal Getting Closer
The Swede’s Impact
It’s impossible to question the impact that Ibrahimović brings to Milan. They’ve been exponentially better since his arrival in December of 2019.
The Swede was cruising with the club to start the season, playing fantastically and guiding the Rossoneri to first place. It’s no coincidence that Milan took a fall in the standings (currently second but with little margin for error) when Ibrahimović went down with an injury.
With that being said, Milan are still on track to make the Champions League. Qualification for the tournament means everything for the squad, as they’ve been absent since the 2013-14 season. More so than the meaningfulness to the players and fans, the club as a whole needs qualification in order to remain financially sound. Another disappointing season of Europa League qualification likely leads to a firesale of Milan’s top talent.
Ibrahimović will not let that happen. Besides his impact on the pitch, to a tune of 15 goals in 21 league matches, the Swede is the clear leader of the squad. They listen to his barking commands whether on the pitch or the sideline and more times than not, the team responds brilliantly. Ibrahimović brings tenacity and toughness to a squad that needs it.
Milan’s Future at Striker
The return of Ibrahimović is big news as he remains a talent as well as a leader. He’s currently 39-years-old and will be 40 this coming October. One can certainly argue that Ibrahimović constantly gets the better as he ages. Eventually, however, he’s going to call it quits on his career.
Milan also struggled to find any consistency at striker during Ibrahimović’s injury. Mario Mandzukic has barely played due to injury, and Ante Rebic and Rafael Leão are better suited in other roles.
The Rossoneri must make it a priority to find another striker to complement Ibrahimović. It will come as no surprise if the Swede starts next season, but Milan need to have a capable backup who can start as soon as Ibrahimović hangs up his boots.
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