Ivan Perisic has become Tottenham Hotspur’s first signing of what promises to be a very exciting summer.
Spurs are under pressure to keep Antonio Conte happy over the coming months after the Italian guided them back into the Champions League on the final day of the Premier League season.
Frustration from the no-nonsense coach could potentially make him quit Tottenham at the drop of a hat.
That’s one of the reasons why ENIC invested £150 million into the transfer budget last week [Bloomberg].
Perisic is an interesting first addition because not only was he free, having joined on a Bosman from Inter Milan, but he’s apparently quite versatile.
That’s the view of football writer James Horncastle, who has told the North Londoners’ official website that not only will Perisic be used in his classic wing position, but suggested that he may even be used as a covering option for Son Heung-min in a central attacking role.
He told Spurs’ official website: “It wouldn’t surprise me as well, if ever Heung-Min Son needs a break, he could fill in there as well – having said that, Sonny’s one of the fittest players out there! Perisic will mainly be a threat down the left.”
Tottenham supporters won’t like to hear this.
Daniel Levy probably doesn’t need much justification to not sign a proper number nine this summer and if he gets wind that Conte’s latest recruit could actually be used as the spearhead of an attack then the Lilywhites’ chairman may be tempted to advise against a striker.
Harry Kane operates in a slightly deeper role at Tottenham these days, with Son, who won the Golden Boot last season with Mohamed Salah, often the furthest most attacking player.
Whether it’s to cover Kane or Son, Conte does need a traditional number nine as a back-up this summer.
Perisic, 33, is an excellent player and athlete despite his advancing years, but he probably isn’t an adequate substitute for Son.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
