Transfer Centre

Tottenham Hotspur's Ivan Perisic 'pining for Inter Milan return'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 15 April 2023

Tottenham Hotspur wing-back Ivan Perisic reportedly wants to make an immediate return to Inter Milan during the summer transfer window.

Tottenham Hotspur wing-back Ivan Perisic reportedly wants to head back to Inter Milan after just one season in North London.

The Croatia international left the Nerazzurri on a free transfer last summer to reunite with Antonio Conte, whom he won the 2020-21 Serie A title under at San Siro.

Perisic immediately cemented his place in the Spurs' lineup - thanks in no small part to Ryan Sessegnon's ongoing injury woes - and he has one goal and 11 assists to his name from 39 appearances this season.

However, Tottenham will end the season without silverware for the 15th year running, having been knocked out in the fifth round of the FA Cup and third round of the EFL Cup prior to a last-16 Champions League exit to AC Milan.

A disheartening 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday has also left Spurs fifth in the Premier League table, three points worse off than Manchester United - who have two games in hand - in the final Champions League spot.

Ivan Perisic in action for Tottenham Hotspur on October 1, 2022 © Reuters

Perisic's early assist for Son Heung-min was to no avail against the Cherries, and the 34-year-old also witnessed Conte tear into his players before departing by mutual consent last month.

Perisic is only under contract in North London until the end of next season, but according to Tuttosport, the Croatian is already planning an escape route.

The Italian outlet states that he is pining for a return to Inter, and Spurs' decline in performances over the past few weeks has heightened his desire to leave the North London club.

Inter's current left wing-back Robin Gosens is said to be attracting interest from the Bundesliga, and the Germany international may consider a return to his homeland in order to increase his chances of a Euro 2024 call-up.

Gosens's possible exit would open the door for Perisic to head back to Simone Inzaghi's side, who would not have to break the bank to prise him away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Croatia's Ivan Perisic celebrates scoring against Japan at the World Cup on December 5, 2022 © Reuters

However, one roadblock could be the Croatian's wage, as he is understood to pocket €6m (£5.4m) a year at Tottenham, which Inter would be unable to afford.

Instead, Inter could spread the cost of Perisic's yearly salary across two seasons, and the winger could be willing to make financial sacrifices in order to facilitate a Nerazzurri comeback.

Perisic spent seven years on the books at Inter between 2015 and 2022 - being loaned out to Bayern Munich for the 2019-20 season - and he left with 55 goals and 49 assists under his belt from 254 appearances.

The 34-year-old won one Serie A title, one Coppa Italia and one Supercoppa Italiana with the Nerazzurri, and he started all of Croatia's games at the 2022 World Cup en route to a bronze medal.

Perisic will be expected to make his 40th appearance of the season for Tottenham when they travel to fellow top-four contenders Newcastle United next weekend.