Inter Milan still "flirting" with Ivan Perisic return

The player wants Inter Milan, PSV resist, Champions League could decide everything

Inter Milan continue to flirt with the idea of bringing Ivan Perisic back to Milan. 

The Croatian winger, now 37, has made his intentions clear: if given the chance, he would happily return to the Nerazzurri. The main obstacle, however, remains PSV Eindhoven, who are unwilling to part ways with the player while their Champions League fate is still undecided.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport via Fcinter1908, Perisic has never hidden his affection for Inter Milan. 

Opportunities like this do not come often at this stage of a career, and the winger is eager to relive the environment and emotions he left behind in the summer of 2022, when he departed on a free transfer to Tottenham.

Inter Milan and Perisic aligned, PSV standing in the way

The will of the player is strong, and so is that of Inter Milan. In a transfer window described by CEO Beppe Marotta as “poor”, the club see Perisic as a potential short-term solution to stabilize the right flank, an area that has struggled since Denzel Dumfries’ injury.

While Luis Henrique has alternated encouraging performances with difficult outings, consistency has been lacking, reinforcing the belief that an experienced and reliable option could make the difference during the decisive months of the season.

From Inter Milan’s perspective, Perisic represents familiarity, tactical intelligence, and immediate impact. The memories of his Nerazzurri spell remain vivid: decisive goals, versatility, and leadership on the biggest stages.

Champions League as the turning point

PSV, however, are not keen to let Perisic go. Their priority is clear: keep the Croatian for the final stretch of the Champions League. The Dutch side currently sit 22nd in the league phase, still in the playoff race, but face a daunting final match against Bayern Munich.

A defeat, or even a draw, could spell immediate elimination, removing the need for playoff matches scheduled between 17 and 25 February. In that scenario, PSV’s resistance could soften significantly.

Inter Milan have already taken the first steps. An agreement in principle with Perisic on personal terms has reportedly been reached without difficulty. 

The second phase is ongoing: the player himself is pushing for the move. Now, all eyes turn to Europe.

If Inter Milan are to see Perisic back in Nerazzurri colours, fate may hinge on an unlikely ally. 

For once, Interisti might find themselves cheering for Bayern Munich. If the German giants do their job, the final piece of the puzzle could fall into place.