Flick Eyes Bayern Star Reunion as Diaz's Future Hangs in Balance

While Luis Díaz remains Barcelona's top target, reports suggest Hansi Flick has identified Ivan Perišić as a potential alternative option for the Spanish giants.

After securing a domestic treble in his first season, Flick is determined to strengthen his Barcelona squad with several new additions this summer. The Spanish champions are not only looking for a new goalkeeper and potentially another left back, but have also prioritized acquiring an additional left winger.

Initially, Díaz, who contributed to Liverpool's 2024–25 Premier League victory, was Barcelona's preferred choice, but recent reports indicate the club is reluctant to meet the Colombian's €80 million (£67.6 million, $91.4 million) release clause. Consequently, Flick has explored other options and settled on Perišić.

Mundo Deportivo indicates Barcelona believes the Croatian winger could "strengthen [their] presence" on the left flank. The veteran's experience and adaptability would provide much-needed depth to Barcelona's attacking options while fostering greater competition within the squad.

Flick is already familiar with Perišić from their time together at Bayern Munich. Under Flick's management, the German club achieved domestic and European success in 2020, with Perišić playing an integral role throughout that campaign.

Since then, the Croatian international has played for Tottenham Hotspur, Hajduk Split, and most recently, PSV Eindhoven. Despite being 36 years old, Perišić featured in 35 matches for the Dutch club during the 2024–25 season, contributing to 26 goals.

Bringing in Perišić would provide Flick with a reliable option who can operate on either wing, helping to better distribute playing time for Raphinha and Lamine Yamal moving forward. The German coach heavily depended on these two key players last season, and if Barcelona aims to succeed in the Champions League, additional attacking depth will be essential.

Fortunately for the financially constrained Catalans, Perišić's contract with PSV expires on June 30. This means he could join Barcelona as a free transfer, eliminating any financial barriers related to transfer fees.

Perišić would likely become Barcelona's second summer acquisition, following reports that the club plans to activate the €25 million ($28.5 million) release clause to sign goalkeeper Joan García from Espanyol.