In what can only be described as a “nomadic existence” during his professional football career, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has found some semblance of calm at Paris Saint-Germain.

PSG‘s mammoth Swede has never played longer than three seasons (plus four games) at the same club, meaning the 2015/16 season would be the centre-forward’s longest stint at any destination. Malmo FF, Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona and AC Milan over 14 seasons saw various versions of Ibrahimovic, but he has consistently produced his best work in France.

The now-33-year-old striker has directly contributed to 149 goals in 129 appearances at PSG over three seasons, but, despite his success, there appears to be—as ever—speculation surrounding his future.

Entering the last year of his contract, Ibrahimovic is being seen across Europe as a possible target, as the French champions could be persuaded to end their marriage rather than proceeding onward.

Bought for £15.7 million in 2012, the Daily Express‘ Charles Perrin, via Metro, suggests PSG have put an £11 million price tag on their talismanic striker, with Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Milan monitoring the situation.

Furthermore, ESPN FC’s Ian Holyman reported on 16 June: “Ibrahimovic and [his] agent Mino Raiola have travelled to Qatar to meet Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi to discuss his future.”

This development is of import because the veteran centre-forward told the media last week, via Eurosport’s Maxwell Ward:

I belong to PSG. I have one year left on my contract and there is no truth to these stories. I’m a PSG player.

I really don’t think I will leave. We won everything at PSG this season. I have no idea where the stories come from, but I guess people need something to write about.

Ibrahimovic could be toeing the company line and attempting to avoid creating waves, but when has “the Zlatan” ever shied away from speaking his truth? If the Swedish international has no desire to leave the Parc des Princes, it stands to reason he has flown with his agent to Qatar for (if not a holiday) contract negotiations/assurances.

The question for PSG then becomes: “If clubs are interested in Ibrahimovic, do we hold on to a depreciating asset or shall we cash in whilst we still can?”

An argument could be made at 33 years old the best of Zlatan has passed, and having never won the Champions League—or even played in a Champions League final—during his numerous pit stops around the European continent, Ibrahimovic may not be the footballer to carry a club to European glory.

Add 22 missed games last season (from red-card suspension, a four-match ban from the French league’s disciplinary committee and then general injury/fatigue) and cutting bait seems an optimal outcome; especially considering taking a £4.7 million loss for 149 goals after three seasons is actually fantastic business.

The argument is sound, but not without complication.

Ibrahimovic is a worldwide attraction, whose fans extend into the millions—PSG cannot afford to lose their star and place their marketing burden on Edinson Cavani, David Luiz, Thiago Silva or Marco Verratti?

Paris Saint-Germain’s (and French football’s) greatest fear would likely be losing global popularity were Zlatan to leave for the Premier League or Serie A, as UEFA Financial Fair Play ramifications exist.

Therefore, while solid reasoning exists to end the relationship, if the player wants to stay in the French capital and the fiscal element is included, PSG could be better off long-term keeping their larger-than-life centre-forward into his retirement and making him an ambassador.

What cannot happen, however, is allowing Ibrahimovic carte blanche. He must understand his powers will begin to fade further, and he should not expect the same wages or salary moving past 2015/16.

PSG‘s “Zlatan experiment” has largely been successful—excluding the Champions League—so another season would not be the worst outcome, but extending aging footballers is not progression, more maintenance.

 

Follow @danieltiluk

Stats via WhoScored.com; transfer fees via Soccerbase where not noted.

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