Real Madrid: Kaka Out, Ibrahimovic In?

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is now reportedly planning a swap deal with Barcelona involving Madrid midfielder Kaka and Barca striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Both the players arrived in Spain last summer and have had a poor debut season at their new destinations.

Kaka, plagued by injury and poor form last season, has reportedly been out of favor of new Madrid boss, while Ibrahimovic, following his poor run last season, has already been linked with a move to Manchester City. However, Barcelona and Ibrahimovic both have recently rejected any possibility of switching clubs this summer.

Real Madrid and Barcelona are two rivals in Spanish league and it would be interesting to see if they come to an agreement to swap their out-of-favor players. Though nothing has been revealed by either of the two clubs, there is a possibility Mourinho would like to reunite with Ibrahimovic at Madrid.

Sweden international Zlatan Ibrahimovic has had his best time at Inter Milan before his move to Barcelona last season when Mourinho was at the helm of the Serie A club. So, the 28-year-old player could be fascinated to join his former mentor and get his rhythm back next season.

Earlier, reports out in the media suggested that Ibrahimovic would join City, if the Premier League side offered him a record weekly salary. However, now it seems less likely that the Swedish star would join City.

Well, it also seems less likely that Barcelona could be tempted to bring in another attacking midfielder in Kaka as they already have plenty of attacking options in hand including Xavi, Iniesta and David Villa. However, they might be tempted to secure Kaka’s service in order to get rid of underperformed Ibrahimovic after the arrival of Spanish striker David Villa from Valencia.

Real Madrid is currently looking to strengthen its attacking line up and Mourinho has already indicated that long-time captain Raul and attacking midfielder Guti are not part of his plan next season.

Overall, it looks imminent Real Madrid would add a quality striker like Ibrahimovic and an attacking midfielder like Mesut Ozil to their squad this summer.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Captain Sweden in Netherlands Friendly in August

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has decided to come out of his international retirement ahead of Sweden’s friendly affair against World Cup runner-up Netherlands in August 2010. Sweden’s new coach, Erik Hamren, has also revealed that the Barcelona striker would be the captain of Sweden for the match.

Ibrahimovic showed no interest to carry on his job for Sweden following his country’s failure to qualify for the World Cup 2010 finals. However, the 28-year-old has now revealed his desire to play for Sweden again and is eagerly waiting to work with new coach Erik Hamre.

About his return to international football, Ibrahimovic said to the media, “I got a craving and wanted to be there myself. If I'm chosen for the next game [against Scotland in Solna on 14 August] I'll be there. I missed the national team, missed playing for the Swedish people and wearing the shirt.

I am proud [to be captain], it feels fantastic and I'll do my best to be the leader that Erik wants me to be.”

Erik Hamre took over as the Sweden coach following the resignation of Lars Lagerback in November 2009 in the wake of Sweden’s failure to qualify for the World Cup.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is now under pressure following his unimpressive debut season with Barcelona since his big-money move from Inter Milan. Reports available in the media suggest that Barcelona could even offload Ibrahimovic this summer. Even if he stays, he would find himself pushed down further in the pecking order following Barcelona’s new signing David Villa.