According to media reports, in addition to goalkeeper Joan Garcia, who is about to sign, Barcelona head coach Flick is also considering signing an experienced player—Croatian winger Ivan Perisic.
This news has been confirmed. Perisic himself has also expressed interest in joining Barcelona. Although he is already 36 years old, he still hopes to continue playing at a high level and stay in shape for the 2026 World Cup.
Perisic and Flick have actually known each other for a long time. The two worked together at Bayern Munich and won the Champions League together. Flick greatly admires Perisic’s professionalism and playing ability.He believes that Perisic’s arrival will enhance the overall strength of the team’s front line and give the team more options in multiple competitions.
Perisic is a very “versatile” player. He can play on the right, on the left, and even as a striker. If necessary, he can also play as a full-back. This versatility is exactly what Flick wants.
Last season, Perisic played 35 matches for Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, scoring 16 goals and providing 11 assists. Such statistics are impressive for a 36-year-old player. Additionally, he remains a key player for the Croatian national team, having made 144 appearances and scored 36 goals for his country.
However, if Perisic does join Barcelona, it won’t affect the team’s interest in another left-wing player, Luis Diaz. Diaz remains the team’s first choice, while Perisic could be used as a substitute or tactical backup.
From the perspective of team building, Flick likes to pair young players with veterans. For example, he signed Szczesny to replace the injured Ter Stegen, which shows that he is willing to use experienced veterans to help the team solve problems. The introduction of Perisic is similar.
In addition, Perisic is currently a free agent, which means that Barcelona does not need to pay a transfer fee to sign him.This is a very cost-effective option for the club. It is also in line with the strategy of Barcelona president Laporta, who wants to ensure the team’s performance while controlling its finances.
Overall, if Perisic joins Barcelona, he will not only help the team on the pitch, but also play a positive role in the dressing room. After all, an experienced and talented veteran like him is a valuable asset to any team.