Mario Mandžukić linked with United States move

(Photo: HNS)

14 September 2019 – Former Croatian international Mario Mandžukić could be set to continue his career in the MLS in the United States. 

After being left out of Juventus’ UEFA Champions League squad for the upcoming season, Mandžukić was omitted from the squad for this weekend’s fixture against Fiorentina amid rumours that he is set to leave the club. 

The 33-year-old striker, who famously took Croatia to the World Cup final when he scored in extra-time against England, reportedly turned down an offer Qatari side Al-Gharafa before the close of the transfer window. 

He is now reportedly in advanced talks with an MLS club. Gianluca di Marzio reports that Los Angeles Football Club are interested in obtaining his services. 

“Mandžukić is apparently totally out of Juventus’ plans, with Di Marzio reporting that the club is willing to let him train elsewhere to stay fit until the transfer window opens, were he to agree to a deal with the window currently closed. LAFC currently have three Designated Players and are leading the Supporters’ Shield race, having scored the by far the most goals in MLS this season. But with the team clinching their debut appearance in the Concacaf Champions League next year, they could be looking to bolster their talent before heading out on their maiden continental excursion,” the official MLS website writes. 

The official transfer window in the MSL is from 9 July – 7 August, but according to FIFA rules, a MLS club could request an international certificate (ICT) to realise a transfer or loan deal outside that period. 

Before joining Juve, Mandžukić played for Marsonia, NK Zagreb, Dinamo Zagreb, VfL Wolfsburg, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid. He won the Champions League with Bayern in 2012-13. He represented Croatia 89 times, scoring 33 times, including in the World Cup final, before retiring last year.