Report: Ibrahimovic will return to Galaxy as Designated Player

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's stay in Los Angeles doesn't look to be over just yet.

The eccentric Swedish forward has reportedly re-signed with the Galaxy for the 2019 season on a contract that will make him one of the franchise's three permitted Designated Players, according to the L.A. Times' Kevin Baxter and ESPN's Jeff Carlisle.

As a result, most of his wages will not count toward the team's salary cap calculations next season.

The 37-year-old, who mentioned last month that his priority was to return to the Californian franchise, had reportedly been in talks over possibly re-joining former club AC Milan. However, the Serie A side's sporting director Leonardo revealed negotiations died down in recent days, adding it was increasingly likely the striker would remain in Major League Soccer.

A former Swedish international with 116 caps, Ibrahimovic joined the Galaxy on a free transfer in March after he and Manchester United mutually agreed to terminate his contract. Despite arriving late to the 2018 MLS season, Ibrahimovic went on to score 22 goals in 27 games. Though the Galaxy failed to make the playoffs, Ibrahimovic still managed to win individual hardware, claiming the 2018 Newcomer of the Year Award for his efforts.

Signing Ibrahimovic as a Designated Player could spell further moves among the Galaxy ranks. The team already employs Mexican brothers Giovani and Jonathan dos Santos as well as former Marseille man Romain Alessandrini as Designated Players, meaning the organization may have to part ways or re-negotiate with one of the trio to accommodate Ibrahimovic.

The Galaxy signed Ibrahimovic last season using Targeted Allocation Money.