Veteran Croatian forward Ivan Perišić officially left Tottenham this summer, signing permanently with Hajduk Split.
Perišić was a bit of a favourite of Antonio Conte, who coached him at Spurs and Inter Milan. The new Napoli coach was effusive with praises for the Croat when Spurs roped him in two summers ago.
“It is very important we sign a player like Ivan Perisic because he [Ryan Sessegnon] can see the way to try to learn something from Ivan.
“We are talking about a real important player and top player. Sometimes it is good to bring a player in your team who is a bit over age but at the same time a good player with experience who can improve a young player in your squad.”
Conte on Perišić in summer 2022, as quoted by Football London.
However, in a shocking turn of events, it looks like the 35-year-old is already on the move.
Ivan Perišić emerges as shock target for Barcelona
As reported by Caught Offside, Barcelona are looking to offer Perišić a short-term deal.
The Blaugrana were dealt a massive transfer blow recently as they missed out on Athletic’s star winger Nico Williams, who was handed a #10 shirt by his hometown club and is expected to stay for at least one more year.
And so, Barcelona, ever strapped for cash, are looking for a short-term option to placate new coach Hansi Flick and have identified one of his former players as someone they could bring in to plug the gap.
Perišić spent a year under Flick at Bayern, during 2019/20 on loan from Inter, which turned out to be a historic campaign as the Bavarian giants completed a treble in sensational fashion. Perišić contributed to Bayern’s effort that term with eight goals and 10 assists in 35 appearances across all competitions.
They could do worse
It is understandable how, at first glance, this link would be subjected to simply mockery and nothing else.
But, to be honest, a short-term move for Perišić would make a lot more sense for Barcelona than the many unnecessary expensive acquisitions they have made in recent years despite their financial predicament.
A two-footed player, Perišić can occupy virtually any spot in the outfield barring the centre-back and deep-lying midfield roles. In particular, Barcelona would like the cover on both the flanks, both in defence and upfront.
Of course, Perišić should not be expected to play 60 games a season, but as a squad boost, the Catalans could do a whole lot worse.
More Tottenham Hotspur News:
- Tottenham in three-way transfer battle as Conte plans to sign Spurs target this summer
- Not Toney – Tottenham put off by €50m asking price for a striker whose contract expires in less than 12 months
- Tottenham set sights on ‘dream’ £20.5m Serie A sensation labelled ‘an example to everyone’
Ignore the noise and make the sensible move happen, a prudent person would say.
