Life is truly unpredictable. Ivan Perišić (36, PSV Eindhoven) is receiving interest from 'Spanish champions' FC Barcelona after moving on from a difficult time at Tottenham Hotspur.

Mundo Deportivo reported on the 11th (Korea time) that 'Hansi Flick, the Barcelona manager, sees Perišić as a key acquisition target. Perišić has experience and versatility, having won the Champions League under Flick at Bayern Munich, and is well-regarded for strengthening the attacking line.'

The media noted that '36-year-old Perišić could become another major acquisition opportunity for Barcelona this summer. With a move for Juan Garcia (aespa) already in progress, Barcelona is also considering signing veteran winger Perišić, who recently won the Eredivisie.'

Furthermore, Mundo Deportivo stated that 'Perišić will join as a free agent (FA) and salary will not be an issue. He is continuing to compete to maintain his top condition from the World Cup.' They added, 'The acquisition of Perišić will not conflict with the priority signing of Luis Díaz (Liverpool) for the left wing position.'

Perišić has been thriving after leaving Tottenham. He joined Tottenham in 2022 following his 'master' Antonio Conte. However, he struggled to perform as expected, often overlapping runs with Son Heung-min on the left flank, leading to Conte leaving the team after making bombastic statements.

Additionally, Perišić underwent long-term rehabilitation close to missing the season due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury in September 2023, completely derailing his time at Tottenham. Nevertheless, he did not give up and honed his match sense through a loan at Hajduk Split in his home country of Croatia. Last summer, he signed with Hajduk as a free agent but suddenly terminated his contract before joining Eindhoven.

Perišić has made a complete resurgence this season in the Eredivisie, recording 9 goals and 9 assists in 27 league games and 16 goals and 10 assists in 35 official matches. Despite primarily playing as a right winger due to team circumstances instead of his main position on the left wing, he showcased outstanding skill.

In particular, Perišić scored a valuable opening goal against Sparta Rotterdam in the final match, contributing to Eindhoven's thrilling comeback victory. Thanks to him, Eindhoven secured a 3-1 win in the last match, surpassing Ajax to become Eredivisie champions for the second consecutive year. This marks their 26th league title overall and 11th in the 21st century.

Now, Perišić is also receiving love calls from Barcelona. Hansi Flick, who considered a reunion with Perišić a year ago, is attempting the acquisition again. Mundo Deportivo reported, 'Sources close to manager Flick have confirmed that he is considering signing Perišić and has learned of Perišić's willingness to join Barcelona.'

Perišić also has a connection with manager Flick. He wore Bayern Munich's uniform on loan during the 2019-2020 season and was under Flick's guidance for one season. At that time, Bayern defeated Barcelona 8-2 in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals and became European champions, with Perišić also shaking the Barcelona net.

Mundo Deportivo said, 'Flick identified signing Perišić as a major strategy to enhance competition within the team after achieving a domestic treble in his debut season at Barcelona.' The report continued, 'Perišić is well-known for his professional demeanor despite his age. He maintains peak physical condition and positively contributes in the locker room. Additionally, as a key resource for the Croatian national team, he has scored 36 goals in 144 A matches.'

The media added, 'Flick, who has a natural competitive spirit, completely trusts Perišić and believes he must seize this opportunity to strengthen the team ahead of next season. He values a balance of experience and youth, as clearly demonstrated in the signing of Wojciech Szczęsny. The acquisition of Szczęsny was successful, and Flick hopes to replicate the same strategy in signing Perišić.'

Manager Flick sees Perišić as an excellent backup for 2007-born Lamine Yamal and a versatile multi-resource player. Mundo Deportivo explained, 'Perišić, who is 36 years old, may be seen as a disadvantage. However, since Barcelona is a very young team, players with leadership and experience could serve as valuable balance. He will clearly understand his role as a substitute.'

The media emphasized, 'One of the most important qualities Flick values in Perišić is his incredible versatility. He can handle three attacking positions: right wing, left wing, and center forward. He can even play as a wing-back on either side if needed.'

The fact that Perišić has abundant experience, which is lacking in the young Barcelona squad, is also a plus. Mundo Deportivo stated, 'Flick, who has a natural competitive spirit, completely trusts Perišić and believes he must seize this opportunity to strengthen the team. He prioritizes a balance of experience and youth, as evidenced by the successful signing of Wojciech Szczęsny.'

If Perišić dons the Barcelona jersey, it will mark his first entry into La Liga. He has already played in the Bundesliga (Bayern, Dortmund, Wolfsburg), Serie A (Inter), and Premier League (Tottenham).

[Photo] PSV, Michael Toks Football, Sports Kida, Mundo Deportivo, 365 Scores, La Liga, Tottenham social media.

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