In this case, last summer Barcelona had three things to sort out: offload Eto’o, sign Villa and sign a wingback to take some of the pressure off Carles “Mr Multipurpose” Puyol. They expected all three to be quite straightforward, but they were wrong. The offers they assumed they’d get for Eto’o weren’t even trickling much less flooding in, and a new Valencia president decided he’d only sell Villa for silly money. On the brink of panic, Barcelona got a phone call out of the blue – or, rather out of the neroazzuri. Moratti said he’d take Eto’o off their hands in part exchange for the “9″ and wingback they were looking for (Ibra and Maxwell). Three birds with one stone.

And the rest, as they say….

Ibrahimovic was a major investment for Barcelona. He didn’t live up to expectations in his first year, but nor have many of their showcase signing – most famously Ronald Koeman, who had what is known in the parlance as a “right shocker”, and most recently Thierry Henry, who only came good in his second season.

If Ibrahimovic wants to stay and keep trying, they’ll be happy to let him. After all, as David mentions, what’s in store for him if he fails: the bench.

(Incidentally, I agree with the comment that they will sell Ibra if Arsenal can be persuaded to part with Fàbregas. There’s no way the banks will sanction another big signing unless it can be covered in full with a big sale.)

I think it’s 50/50 at the moment, which doesn’t say much for his season. With Rosell looking probable as the next president and talking about managing the debt rather than talking up big signings, it could be that Zlatan moves on. Manchester City may fancy their chances given the Mancini link.

They may well keep hold of him but the fact that Pep wanted Villa so much, combined with Ibra’s lack of involvement in those last four games, suggests he’s got an uphill battle on his hands to prove himself if he does stay.

I don’t think Barcelona will sell Ibrah this summer, despite the arrival of Villa to already add to the likes of Bojan and Pedro, but I think Pep will be keen to hold onto him for just another season or so to see what happens.