Why Zlatan Ibrahimovic Will Spend One More Season at PSG

When Zlatan Ibrahimovic joined Paris Saint-Germain from AC Milan, no one doubted the forward would have a massive impact in the French capital. But for him to still be the most effective striker at the club four seasons’ later was possibly not the plan.

After Javier Pastore arrived, Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva ushered in a new level of signing. Edinson Cavani followed, then Angel Di Maria joined last summer. However, the drop in the Uruguayan's form and mood would not have been a welcomed part of the project.

Eighteen months ago, Ibrahimovic was struggling with injuries and form. With PSG unable to rest the giant Swede, he was rushed back time and time again, struggling to recover his full fitness.

This campaign, after a summer of rest and recuperation, the former Barcelona man looks back to his best, and rather than just scoring a number of penalties, his all-round play has improved and the goals have followed. At a time when it looked like the 34-year-old was slowing down, Cavani’s failure to step up has led to doubts over whether the former Napoli man is able to lead the PSG attack.

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With 23 goals in 21 games, Ibrahimovic is still the man to lead Laurent Blanc’s front line—at least for now, putting Cavani’s future up in the air. Despite Cavani's 12 goals this season, there have been a lot of disappointing performances, and it could convince the PSG hierarchy to sell him this summer if the right offer comes in.

It's unlikely that PSG could successfully replace both Cavani and Ibrahimovic in the same summer, at least not without risking upheaval and uncertainty. Extending the 34-year-old’s contract for another 12 months makes perfect sense, especially if PSG can keep him fit, happy and healthy.

There's always a risk of injury with a player of his age, but if he's used well, there’s no reason why Blanc couldn’t squeeze another season out of the Swede.

The PSG coach was asked about the possibility of extending Ibrahimovic’s contract earlier in February, and the former France boss tried to remain coy, suggesting that his own future needed to be sorted first, via ESPN FC:

"

So let a little bit of time pass and when it's time there will be a reflection. I think, and I'm even certain of it, that I'll take part in this discussion.

There are other cases -- there's not just that one. There will be others to be dealt with. It's like we did last year and we do every year, and we'll look into the summer transfer window which is a lot more interesting than the winter transfer window.

"

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This week, with Blanc’s contract already extended for two more years, the PSG coach was asked again about Ibrahimovic’s intentions.

"We do not know his will, it's still an important factor," Blanc told reporters, via Goal.com. "But in no time, you will be aware of his decision and that of the club.

"Zlatan and PSG were very good against Chelsea. He is in form and not far from his best physical shape."

It seems that the French champions are already convinced that keeping Ibrahimovic is the best option for the club, now they just need to make sure he believes that. No matter how tempted he may be to leave and look for a new adventure, it will make this summer a lot tougher if PSG allow him to leave.