Tottenham Hotspur have ended yet another season without a trophy and though they stand as one of the strongest sides in the competition, are yet to win anything to show for it. Mauricio Pochettino will definitely be frustrated and might want to add established stars to his side this summer.
One such name now doing the rounds is Ivan Perisic.
Spurs Make Perisic Approach:
A transfer target for Manchester United last summer and even in January, the Croatian international has been linked with a move to England for some time now but a move did not materialize yet. But reports from Italy now claim that Spurs have made Perisic a serious transfer target and are ready to meet his valuation.
He will cost around £45m, but is he the man Spurs need?
Perisic And His Record:
Born and brought up in Yugoslavia, Perisic made a name for himself at Club Brugge scoring 31 goals in 70 league games over two seasons. He was snapped up by Borussia Dortmund in 2011 but failed to make enough of an impact there, or at Wolfsburg, spending four frustrating years in the Bundesliga.
However, that did not stop him from breaking into the national side where he has already made 64 appearances, scoring 17 goals. He moved to Serie A giants Inter Milan in 2015 and seemed to have made a step up in his game, making a minimum of 34 appearances in all three seasons at the club.
He picked up 11 goals and nine assists in the league this season, starting all but one game and at his age, has shown that he is still at the top of his game.
A versatile player, who plays as a support striker, as a no.10 or as a winger, Perisic is a gifted footballer, with a Croatian flair. He can make things happen in the final third, thanks to his close control and technique when in possession of the ball. He is a confident player, ready to take on his man but is equally adept at build up play, where he can sit back and break defences.
He is strong in the air and in hold up play, is perfect for the English game and is a decent addition for most clubs in England.
Right Man For Spurs:
While most Spurs fans believe that he will be an upgrade on Erik Lamela, currently struggling at the club, it is hard to see Spurs, with their recruitment policy, sign a 29-year old, at such a crunch time. It is true that they need to spend on established players at the highest level but Perisic is not one who can solve the problems at the club.
Spurs need a backup for Harry Kane and probably a playmaker who can step in when needed. While Perisic can solve both issues, at his price tag, he is expected to be a first-team star but does not do enough to warrant a place regularly under Pochettino.
Perisic turns 30 by the end of the next season and has just about two seasons left at his prime. So unless he has an immediate impact, he will always be under pressure and is just not what Spurs need to buy at the moment.
But do you think Perisic can make a difference for Spurs?
