Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been in the news a lot the last couple of days. But who am I kidding? Zlatan Ibrahimovic is always in the news. I mean, come on, he’s Zlatan.
After an emotional send-off this weekend in Paris that would be fit for kings and legends alike (and remember Zlatan is both a king and legend) speculation has gone into overdrive guessing just where Zlatan will end up playing next season. The latest rumors out of England speculate a potential move to Manchester United is on the horizon. But, is that really the best fit for someone with Zlatan’s ambitions?
Manchester United will not be playing Champions League football next season, a big deterrent for any marquee player considering Old Trafford as a potential new home this summer. Liverpool on the other hand just might have a place in the Champions League group stage booked if they beat Sevilla in the final of the UEFA Europa League.
So why aren’t Zlatan and his agent Mino Raiola considering Anfield as a possible destination for the big Swede? It definitely would be a good fit for both parties for many reasons.
Zlatan would instantly become a Kop legend. Picture thousands of Liverpool fans fresh off their latest tear-inducing rendition of “You Will Never Walk Alone” only now Liverpool fans would definitely never walk alone, they’d have a gargantuan Swedish legend by their side.
Also, Zlatan would reinvigorate an attack that is short in creativity and options, to say the least. Despite the fact that Liverpool have reached the Europa League final their attackers have been inconsistent at best. Daniel Sturridge is frequently injured and hasn’t really reached the heights expected of him after Luis Suarez left. Christian Benteke was overpriced and has underperformed. In fact, since Jurgen Klopp took over in October he has frequently left Benteke on the bench and when he does give the hulking Belgian a chance he has more often than not failed to deliver. Benteke has ten goals in all competitions this season for Liverpool, definitely underwhelming considering he cost Liverpool almost thirty-three million pounds. Young Divock Origi has been impressive in spurts, although a recent absence through injury has curtailed his progress.
Make no mistake Liverpool wouldn’t be in the final of a European tournament, or any tournament for that matter without the brilliant play of Brazilians Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino, although technically both are midfielders and not out and out attackers. Now, just imagine them next season passing the perfect through ball to Zlatan.
“He’s in. It’s a goal! The Kop goes wild for Zlatan!”
Zlatan would bring guaranteed goals, and probably guaranteed trophies to a team starving for both. Oh, and did I forget to mention Zlatan and Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp like each other a whole lot.
In 2014 at the Balon D’Or Gala Zlatan approached Klopp and told him he’d join Dortmund for free just to play for him. Klopp, who managed Dortmund at the time, proceeded to gush over Zlatan’s compliment and a bromance was instantly born.
Talk about a match made in heaven.
So come on Liverpool, beat Sevilla and most importantly: Come on Kloppo, sign this Swedish lad up!
