Sridhar Bhamidi
Raise your hand if the name Ivan Perisic doesn’t ring a bell! If it doesn’t, don’t worry – because, the Croatian is back on Manchester United’s radar, at least for the transfer newsmakers.
The Inter Milan winger became a household name for all Manchester United fans in the summer after becoming a top target for Jose Mourinho.
It was another matter that the winger did not make the move to Old Trafford but we kept hearing his name get linked with the club every other day. The San Siro club tried everything it could to stall the transfer and were successful with that.
The 28-year-old Croatian ended up staying at the club after United and Inter failed to reach a consensus over the transfer fee. Now, the Italian media Gazzetta dello Sport (via Metro) claims that the new contract for the player has a release clause worth €60m which can be activated next summer.
That is interesting, because United could still sign the winger, provided they maintain the same level of interest. Jose Mourinho was adamant that he wanted a winger to give him options in the final third.
What works in Perisic’s favor is that the Portuguese tactician is a well-known admirer of his talents and may well come back next season. Perisic has started this season very brightly for Inter, scoring 3 and assisting 3 in 7 matches so far.
What works against him is the fact that he would turn 29 by next summer – not the age that would command such a high transfer fee. United’s transfer policy keeps the club away from players of 30+ age. With Perisic so close to that bracket, he may not be chased by the Red Devils after all.
Another key factor that could determine the club’s interest is the upsurge in the form of Anthony Martial. The French winger who was criticised by Mourinho last season has started this year very brightly. Why chase Perisic when you already have a better and younger option at the club?
Even Marcus Rashford is used by Mourinho on the wings and that could see Perisic not being the first option even if he moves.
Why spend so much for a squad member, then? But we all know that ‘Perisic to United’ will be played in a loop.
