Ivan Perisic (Getty Images)
As per FC Inter News (h/t Leeds Live), Leeds United are planning a swoop for Inter Milan star Ivan Perisic ahead of the new campaign.
The report suggests that Seri A outfit Inter Milan want €15m for the Croatian, who is currently on loan with Bayern Munich. But Leeds could face competition for Perisic as Premier League rivals Tottenham are interested in signing him and the Bundesliga giants are also keen on securing a permanent move and look favourites to land the winger.
Born in Croatia, Perisic rose through the ranks of Hadjuk Split’s youth system in his hometown before moving to France with FC Sochaux. From there, he went on to play for FC Roeselare and Club Brugge before joining Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2011.
Though he didn’t enjoy the best of times at Signal Iduna Park, he excelled with Wolfsburg, scoring 21 goals and providing 17 assists in 88 games.
He was then signed by Inter in the summer of 2015 and came to prominence during his time with the Italian giants, making 163 appearances in four years with the club. Last summer, he was sent on loan to Bayern and has helped the side reach the finals of the Champions League this season and has also won the league title.
The 31-year-old also played a crucial role in Croatia’s run to the finals of the last World Cup, where they eventually lost to France. Perisic has been in sensational form in the last few years, and thus, Leeds should make a move for him.
Marcelo Bielsa’s men were brilliant throughout the 2019/20 campaign as they went on to lift the Championship title. However, as they prepare for life in the top flight, the manager should look to bring in reinforcements if they are to prolong in the Premier League.
At the moment, the Whites have just three wingers in their ranks. Jack Harrison, who is on loan from Manchester City, is a key player for the side. And Helder Costa just completed a permanent switch to Elland Road after helping them get promoted.
Ian Poveda is the other winger the squad but the youngster lacks experience and cannot be depended upon throughout the whole campaign. Moreover, they have limited options on the flanks, and thus, signing a winger is a must in the summer.
In that regard, Perisic would be a smart addition to the squad. The Croatian has made over 450 career appearances and his experience would be a huge boost to the squad. He has played at a higher level for a long time and can be a crucial member under Bielsa next season.
And the fact that Perisic has scored 124 goals in his career shows that he is capable of producing the goods from the wings. He is capable of operating on either side of the attack and his versatility would come in handy for the manager. He has also been in good nick in recent times, scoring in crucial games against Chelsea and Barcelona in the Champions League.
Though he is 31, Perisic still has a few more years left at a higher level. Given Leeds’ lack of option and quality on the wings, signing Perisic would help them enhance their attacking unit. He would also provide them with some much-needed goals. Thus, they should attempt to lure the Croatian to Elland Road at the earliest.
