🔷 1. Free Agent and Hajduk Split Exit
- In early August 2024, Perišić mutually terminated his short-lived contract with Hajduk Split due to a strained relationship with coach Gennaro Gattuso (mundodeportivo.com).
- Croatian outlet 24sata reported Barcelona had expressed interest, with coach Hansi Flick (who previously managed Perišić at Bayern Munich) even calling him about a possible move (mundodeportivo.com).
🔷 2. Flick’s Influence & Barcelona’s Winger Needs
- Barcelona had been targeting Athletic’s Nico Williams but talks faltered. Flick reportedly considered Perišić – a “cheap” and experienced alternative. Mundo Deportivo, beIN Sports, and Fichajes highlighted the coaching relationship and his free status (prod.beinsports.com).
- Perišić, aged 35 with extensive European success, seemed a practical short-term reinforcement (tothelaneandback.com).
🔷 3. Barcelona Ultimately Sits It Out
- In August 2024, reports emerged (SPORT via Yahoo Sports) that Barcelona officially ruled out signing Perišić, citing his age and wage demands (ca.sports.yahoo.com).
- Their priority remained filling the left-wing slot, now focusing instead on alternatives like Kingsley Coman or Liverpool’s Luis Díaz (ca.sports.yahoo.com).
📝 Summary
- Interest sparked by: Perišić’s free-agent status and Flick’s recommendation.
- Barcelona considered him as a low-cost, experienced option after their primary target (Nico Williams) fell through.
- No transfer materialized: Club opted against signing him, concerned over long-term fit.
Fan Reactions (from Reddit)
Several fans shared insights:
“Perisic told Gattuso he’s leaving because Barcelona told him they want him!” (ca.sports.yahoo.com, barcablaugranes.com, reddit.com)
“Barcelona knew they’d take experienced players late in career as rotation – Boateng was same.”
✅ Final Verdict
Despite genuine interest and Flick’s influence, Barcelona ultimately decided against bringing Perišić to Camp Nou—leaving the move on hold and shifting focus elsewhere.
