There are a few footballers that Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with since what seems like time immemorial. Ivan Perisic is one such name. I feel like we’ve been linked with a move for the Croatia international since I’ve been a Spurs fan. In my spreadsheet of Tottenham transfer links (now at nearly 70 names!), by Perisic’s name under the “First Linked” column I put, simply, It’s been 84 years.
The interesting thing about Perisic is that despite turning 33 this year, he’s just had a hugely successful season at Inter Milan, playing mostly as a left winger. His statistics are showy – 11 goals and nine assists for club and country this season – and he has been an effective outlet on the left flank for Inter. As a winger, he is in the 99th percentile for npxG+xA, he bonds well with attacking midfielders and forwards, and is one of the most experienced wingers in football.
He is also a free agent this summer, and according to ESPN’s James Olley, he is an option for Antonio Conte and Tottenham.
Exclusive: #thfc are exploring a deal to sign Ivan Perisic from Inter Milan on a free transfer. Juventus considered favorites but Spurs have made contact.https://t.co/wXg8CyzWYP
—James Olley (@JamesOlley) May 20, 2022
Perisic would by definition not be a long-term signing for Tottenham. I don’t particularly care, because that would rule absolutely. He’s the kind of progressive, experienced attacking winger who would thrive under Conte – damn it, he’s thrived under Conte before – especially in the big games. He’s an old dude, but with a player like Ryan Sessegnon behind him, he wouldn’t be counted on to play 3000 minutes in a season, and that would be a VAST improvement over what we’ve seen from Sess and Sergio Reguilon during the course. of the season. Perisic can also play higher up the pitch as a more advanced midfielder, which would give Conte additional tactical options.
Perisic is still in talks with Inter to possibly extend his contract, and is also heavily linked with Juventus should he leave. But Perisic has worked with Conte before – they know each other and the possibility of a reunion in north London would be exciting. Olley cites reports in Italy that Perisic is seeking a £100,000/week salary over three years, well within Spurs’ budget, although they may not want to commit to that contract length.
Look, I’m not kidding myself into thinking that’s a likely signing. But if Spurs do clinch Champions League football after Sunday, I will NOT say it is a possibility. If Spurs try to step up a gear to meet the title challenge next season, damn it, they could do a lot worse than a short-term contract for Old Man Perisic. Allowing a blogger to dream a little here.
