London: Swedish star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s future at Manchester United is in some doubt after he was listed as being ‘released’ by the club on an official list published by the Premier League on Friday.
The 35-year-old — who starred for United last season scoring 28 goals in 46 matches before a knee ligament injury ended his campaign prematurely — could still be retained by United should they decide to renew his contract, which is up on June 30.
“Premier League clubs from the 2016/17 season have submitted the lists of players they will be keeping in their squads, and the ones they will be releasing,” read the EPL statement.
“Premier League rules require all clubs to submit their retained and released lists to the Premier League by the third Saturday in May, unless the circumstances set out in Rule U.33 apply.
“Please note that players signified as a ‘free transfer’ or released by a club on the expiry of their contract on 30 June 2017, could still remain there next season and so this list should not be seen as definitive for players leaving their club.”
Potential investors in English Premier League clubs will be subject to greater financial scrutiny, the 20 teams’ owners agreed unanimously at their annual meeting, British media reported.
The Press Association and Financial Times explained that measures had been taken so as to prevent suspect foreign buyers gaining control of clubs in the lucrative top league.
Now relegated Premier League side Hull were close to sealing a deal with Chinese brother and sister Dai Yongge and Dai Xiuli last season but it did not come off. The deal fell through amid speculation that they had not met the league’s fit and proper person’s requirements — although it didn’t stop second tier side Reading accepting their offer last month.
