Manchester United forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic is set to snub a £52 million per year contract offer from China in order to stay at Old Trafford until the summer of 2018 – according to the reports from the Daily Mail. Ibrahimovic is regarded as one of the greatest strikers the world has seen in the last decade. After having played for some of the biggest clubs in the world like Manchester United, Paris St Germain, Inter Milan, Juventus, and Barcelona, he can raise the profile of any club in any league. Recognising this power, the Chinese Super League have reportedly made Ibrahimovic as their main transfer target in January or in the summer.
The striker joined United on a one-year contract back in the summer of 2016. However, Jose Mourinho recently revealed that the player has the option of taking up another year at Old Trafford if he wishes to do so. It was rumoured that Ibrahimovic would heavily consider this prospect, but his head has been turned slightly by the incredible riches on offer in China. A number of top players have decided to move to the Chinese league largely motivated by the huge contracts being offered.
Chelsea midfielder Oscar is set to become the latest in the line-up of players, who have chosen the Chinese league while in the prime of their careers. The 25-year-old is unable to get into the Chelsea team this season under Antonio Conte. However, the blues are set to sell him for a whopping £60 million with the player earning £20 million each year or roughly £400,000 a week. A player like Ibrahimovic with an even bigger profile is being rumoured to be offered double this figure or around £50 million in wages each year.
Ibrahimovic, who currently makes around £10 million per year at Old Trafford, looks set to turn down the incredible offer in favour of staying at Old Trafford. This would be a major statement from the 35-year-old, who has been a first-team regular for United this season.
Many were sceptical about the possibility of a player at the twilight of his career being a success at Old Trafford, but he has proved his doubters wrong with 10 goals in his last nine matches. His brace helped Manchester United secure a 2-0 win over West Brom on Saturday. This victory helped United extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to 10 games.
Even as United continue to be linked with a number of players across Europe, the club are becoming increasingly confident that Ibrahimovic will renew his contract for a second year at the club. Ibrahimovic was a free transfer from PSG and it reunited him with manager José Mourinho, with whom he worked at Inter Milan.
