However, five Premier League clubs and several Bundesliga sides are waiting to snap him up on loan or permanently should he fail to impress in pre-season.
Ibrahimović returned to Bayern Munich after a season-long loan at 1. FC Heidenheim, where he contributed two goals and four assists across 32 Bundesliga appearances. He could not prevent Heidenheim's relegation, but his personal displays drew widespread attention from recruitment departments across England.
Aston Villa, Brighton and Hove Albion, Brentford, Fulham and Crystal Palace have all carried out extensive scouting work on the Germany under-21 international, while PSV Eindhoven have also registered interest. Within the Bundesliga, Werder Bremen and FC Augsburg are potential loan destinations, and Hoffenheim and VfB Stuttgart are among clubs who could make a permanent offer.
Ibrahimović's contract at Bayern runs until 2027. Any new loan arrangement would require that deal to be extended first — a complication the club must resolve before the window opens properly.
The player himself is satisfied with what the Heidenheim experience delivered.
"It was important to me beforehand that I would get a lot of playing time and many minutes to show what I can do," he said. "That worked out, and for that reason I believe it was a very good year for me."
Bayern's preference is to assess him in pre-season before making a decision. Kompany's high-press, possession-based system suits Ibrahimović's profile — he is comfortable operating across the front line and in the number ten role and is eager to be at a club with an attacking identity.
Whether Bavaria's starting lineup gives him the opportunity he needs will determine whether the Premier League clubs currently standing by get their chance.