Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur

Premier League • England

Conte signing begging to quit Tottenham as he ‘regrets’ move and wants to go home

Ivan Perisic, Richarlison looking down during game for Tottenham, April 2023

Ivan Perisic is reportedly angling for a move back to his former side Inter Milan following a rough first season in north London.

After recruiting Rodrigo Bentantucur and Dejan Kulusevski in his firs transfer window in charge, Antonio Conte stuck with what he knew in the summer window. Indeed, of seven permanent transfers, three players joined from Serie A.

That included Perisic, who joined from the manager’s former side, Inter, where he’d spent six seasons playing.

The wide man, who can play as either a winger or a full-back, had a great season before joining Spurs. He bagged eight goals and seven assists in Serie A, and looked as if he could bring something to a Spurs side looking to improve upon a fourth-placed finish.

Things haven’t quite gone to plan. On an individual note, Perisic has done fairly well, flying under the radar, with one goal and 12 assists in all competitions.

However, the team has had a woeful season by their lofty standards. The eighth-placed finish in the Premier League was Tottenham’s worst since 2008/09.

The season was not without casualties. Conte, who brought Perisic to the club, was sacked in March after launching an attack on his own players.

Spurs have not yet managed to find the right manager to appoint. Indeed, the sticky situation at the club has seen them knocked back by a few targets.

Perisic wants to return to Inter

That situation is not just impacting recruitment, but could see some players begin to leave. Harry Kane has been told he should consider upping sticks.

Perisic seems to have already made his mind up about moving on. Indeed, Calciomercato reports the Croatian ‘wants to return to Italy’ and specifically, he ‘wants Inter’.

The poor season is cited as the reason he wants to return to his former side.

It’s little surprise that he’d want to leave just a year into his contract. Perisic left a side that had just finished fourth in Serie A – and finished third this season – for one that missed out on European football altogether.

Perisic may be stuck at Spurs

But while the wide man wants a move, things may not be that simple for him, as Inter might not be able to afford to bring him back.

The report suggests a ‘spending review’ will occur at the Serie A side this season.

That might see them come to the conclusion that Perisic will cost too much. Indeed, when factoring in his salary at Tottenham, the report states it is ‘difficult to think’ Inter will be able to welcome him back.

If he is desperate to move away from north London, there may be other avenues for him to explore. But if he has his heart set on Inter, and they’re not able to bring him back, he might be stuck with Tottenham.

In that case, he’ll hope things turn around fast, as he clearly doesn’t want to endure another rough season.

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