LA Galaxy: Top 5 Zlatan Ibrahimovic replacements
Mario Mandzukic
Like the other strikers on this list, Mario Mandzukic has been a world-class center-forward that has represented some of the top clubs in Europe. And like them also, he has recently lost a primary role with his current club, Juventus.
More from MLS Multiplex
- Javier Milei Elected in Argentina: Potential Impacts on MLS and Signings of Argentine Players
- Orlando City and New York City FC in the Battle for Matías Arezo; Grêmio Enters Negotiations! Who Will Come Out on Top?
- USA, Honduras, Panama, and Canada Close in on a Spot in the 2024 Copa America
- De Gea Turns Down Al-Nassr’s Lucrative Offer: Speculation Points to Possible Reunion with Messi at Inter Miami
- Messi’s Magnetic Impact in the United States
The big Croatian number 9 has scored at least 10 goals each season across all competitions for the Serie A champions and was a major cog in the Croatian National Team that reached the World Cup final just two summers ago. Regardless of his successes, Mandzukic finds himself in a similar situation to former Toronto FC legend Sebastian Giovinco, who also found his playing time at Juventus limited due to the depth of talent that the Italian power consistently puts forth. Will Mandzukic follow in the former MLS MVP’s footsteps by leaving Turin for an MLS side?
Why It Will Happen
Mandzukic is a lot like Cavani: he’s great in the air, has a high motor, and boasts a knack for finding himself in front of goal with the ball at his feet. He also has the ability to play other positions, where he was often deployed on the wing in past years for Juventus. While both strikers have the ability to fill the missing void in LA, a move for Mandzukic feels more likely to transpire due to his age. While most teams would shy away from acquiring a 33-going-on-34-year-old asset, the LA Galaxy haven’t been deterred to sign superstars to a DP contract in the past. If a player like Cavani is too expensive, the price might be right for an older and lower profile name like Mandzukic.
Why It Won’t Happen
His age. Sure, the Galaxy have had a long history of targeting older players, but maybe Guillermo Barros Schelotto and GM Dennis Te Kloese want to move the club in a different direction. Te Klose’s first major signing for the club was 22-year-old Cristian Pavon, and Schelotto has had a history of recruiting and developing young talent in Argentina while coaching Lanus and Boca Juniors. Could 2020 be the year that the Galaxy hop on the league trend of targeting young South American talents?