Ivan Perišić, 34, has officially joined Hajduk Split on loan for a mere salary of one euro per month until the end of the season. How does this change things in the HNL?
This HNL season is truly shaping up to be a three-horse race and if Dinamo win their two games in hand (against Lokomotiva and Istra), they will lie just 1 point shy of Hajduk for top spot. The biggest concerns with Hajduk’s title push at this stage in the season is their depth and consistency. Dinamo has been here on numerous occasions and even Rijeka provide more recent experience, but perhaps the addition of veterans Nikola Kalinić and Ivan Perišić changes the narrative.
What’s been rumoured for months on end has finally occurred, and Perišić could certainly prove to be a crucial signing. A player of his natural quality and a current member of the National Team (and not just a benchwarmer at that) rejoining an HNL club is unheard of. But here we are.
The only question is when will he be back from injury? And will he be as good? Well, for the last couple months, he’s been undergoing rehab and recovery in England with Tottenham’s (probably) very capable medical staff and physiotherapy team. This should have primed him for a smooth recovery and considering his track record as a hard-working and dedicated athlete, I see no reason he shouldn’t come back stronger than before, especially with the added motivation of finally bringing home long-awaited silverware for his hometown. Assuming Perišić resumes training sessions in April, he will have until the end of May to be fit for games. I think he’ll be re-integrated for a few weeks and be back in action full swing for the last five to eight matches of the season, certainly enough to make a significant impact. Besides the prestige his mere name carries in the streets of Split, let it not be forgotten that Hajduk has struggled with issues on their attacking wings for what feels like years now, and this is a direct solution to that problem. It will also be exciting to see how he links up with current Hajduk talisman Marko Livaja.
Worst case, we could see Perišić miss out on the rest of the season and simply sign a contract over to summer to see his debut postposed to next season.
What are your thoughts on the transfer and how does this change things in the HNL?
Will be a good place to get his conditioning and confidence back for euros
Hopefully no asshole has a point to prove and plays him overly hard
Tho I feel most guys will respect the legend Perisic is in Croatia and not take cheap shots
How would you like to be the guy who somehow caused a new injury to if somehow comes in Ivan form and greatly reduces Croatia chance at euro glory?
You better believe every baba between Zagreb and Dubrovnik will be giving you the hard batina
And you won’t even get a shot at 8th division NK babas selo
😂😂😂😂😂