It looks like Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s magic will live on in Los Angeles. Although he was linked with a return to Europe in the last couple of weeks, Ibra will now resign from the LA Galaxy as a Designated Player according to The Athletic. This won’t be the only deal Galaxy will pull off this week, since the team is expected to appoint Caleb Porter as their new head coach.
Although he signed a two-year deal with Galaxy in March 2018, Zlatan Ibrahimovic largely outplayed his $1.5 million a year contract, scoring 22 goals and providing 10 assists in 27 games. After the end of the 2018 season, Ibrahimovic asked for a raise and even considered joining Seria A powerhouse Milan if his demands are not met.
Los Angeles ended up giving Ibra Designated Player money, but are now facing with another tough decision. Since MLS teams can have only three DP players, Galaxy will have to move on from either Gio dos Santos, Jonathan dos Santos, or Romain Alessandrini before the season starts.
After considering several high-profile names, LA Galaxy decided to turn to Caleb Porter as their next coach. Porter previously served as the coach of Portland Timbers from 2013 to 2017, winning one MLS Cup in the process. He and Timbers mutually parted ways following the end of the 2017 season.
Porter previously had offers from several MLS teams, including Orlando City SC, but decided to turn them down, waiting for the right opportunity.
