A number of MLS teams pursued the outspoken Ibrahimovic after time with ManU was cut shortGETTY IMAGES
The Galaxy have signed a deal with former ManU F Zlatan Ibrahimovic, successfully "ending the club's three-year effort to bring the aging Swedish superstar" to MLS, according to Kevin Baxter of the L.A. TIMES. It is "unclear when Ibrahimovic, whose performances on the field are often overshadowed by his bravado and braggadocio off it, will join the Galaxy" (L.A. TIMES, 3/22). SI.com's Grant Wahl cites sources as saying that Ibrahimovic is signed "through the end of the 2019 season" and will earn $1.5M per season, the "maximum allowed for a contract using Targeted Allocation Money." The deal is "set to be announced officially on Friday with a full-page advertisement" slated to run in the L.A. Times. It is possible Ibrahimovic "could be available" for the Galaxy's March 31 match against LAFC on Fox (SI.com, 3/22). A number of MLS teams are "believed to have expressed interest in landing Ibrahimovic after his future in the UK became a source of huge speculation," but the Galaxy "won the race" (SI.com, 3/22). NBCSPORTS.com's Daniel Karell writes, "With many MLS clubs moving towards signing younger, up and coming talents, especially from South America, can Ibrahimovic keep up in a physical league, coming off a major injury and at his age?" It is likely the 36-year-old Ibrahimovic can "make an impact, but considering the kind of money he’s likely to be on, it will be tough for him to be worth it without bringing an MLS Cup." If he does sign with the Galaxy, it would be a "massive statement back to their new noisy neighbor in LAFC" (NBCSPORTS.com, 3/22).
POP A TOP: Constellation Brands has extended and expanded its partnership with the AEG-owned Galaxy and StubHub Center, making Modelo Especial the official import beer of the club and stadium. The multiyear deal also sees Constellation become a founding partner of the venue, where it will build a Modelo-branded area atop the west terrace. Modelo will also be a lead marketing partner of the team, which will include co-branding marketing materials, fan merch, consumer promotions and fan engagements. AEG Global Partnerships brokered the deal. Constellation also is a nominee for Sports Sponsor of the Year at the '18 Sports Business Awards (Ian Thomas, Staff Writer).
