Ibrahimovic rejects Everton offer to deliberate between Milan or retirement

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is not interested in signing for Everton, and is instead debating between signing for Milan or retiring, according to reports.

The Swedish striker has been heavily linked with the Toffees over the last week, with Carlo Ancelotti said to want the 38-year old as his first signing once he is announced as the club’s new manager.

Ibrahimovic is currently a free agent after leaving LA Galaxy following the expiry of his contract in the MLS, and the decorated striker had been keen on a return to European football.

While a move to Milan had looked certain, talks with Ibrahimovic stalled, leading to Everton registering their interest as they hunt for forward reinforcements in January.

However, according to Gazzetta Dello Sport (via Sempre Milan) claim that Ibrahimovic has dismissed Everton’s interest, instead taking his time to choose between joining the Rossoneri or retiring.

Ibrahimovic wants to be certain that he would be an important player who could help the team if he does return to the San Siro.

Everton had hoped that Ancelotti’s previous working relationship with Ibrahimovic would tempt the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain striker, while various reports had claimed earlier this week that the forward would be open to the move.

Read Everton Verdict

So I’m stuck in two minds with this story. On one hand, Italian media isn’t the most reliable, so the story might not be entirely accurate. On the other hand, Ibrahimovic rejecting Everton doesn’t sound unrealistic, and the English media are equally spotty when it comes transfer news.

As with almost any transfer story, it is better to wait and see than to try and predict how events will unfold, because the unpredictable nature of football and the varied reports make it difficult to understand how certain camps are actually feeling.

I think Ibrahimovic would be better off joining Milan, if someone asked me to be honest without bias, but I do think that both him and Everton could benefit from a short-term deal that would see him turn out in Royal Blue at Goodison Park.