Bayern Strikes
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Assessing summer transfer business done by Bayern Munich

By Kartik Sahni

MUNICH, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 01: The Team of FC Bayern Muenchen during the FC Bayern Muenchen and Paulaner photo session at FGV Schmidtle Studios on September 01, 2019 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images for Paulaner)
MUNICH, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 01: The Team of FC Bayern Muenchen during the FC Bayern Muenchen and Paulaner photo session at FGV Schmidtle Studios on September 01, 2019 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images for Paulaner) /
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Bayern Munich’s Croatian midfielder Ivan Perisic celebrates after scoring during the German first division Bundesliga football match FC Bayern Munich versus Mainz 05 in Munich on August 31, 2019. (Photo by Christof STACHE / AFP) / RESTRICTIONS: DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO (Photo credit should read CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP/Getty Images)
Bayern Munich’s Croatian midfielder Ivan Perisic celebrates after scoring during the German first division Bundesliga football match FC Bayern Munich versus Mainz 05 in Munich on August 31, 2019. (Photo by Christof STACHE / AFP) / RESTRICTIONS: DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO (Photo credit should read CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP/Getty Images) /

Ivan Perisic

The Croatian who grabbed a goal on his home debut in matchday three against Mainz was acquired on a year-long loan worth €5 million from Internazionale. Ivan Perisic is a familiar face in the Bundesliga having spent time at Signal Iduna Park and Vfl Wolfsburg for around four years.

Kovac was pleased to add Perisic to his squad, having already worked with the winger for their national side from 2013 to 2015. Whilst many considered the 30-year old to be an interim solution for filing Ribery’s boots on the left-wing, Kovac was quick to defend Perisic. Speaking with ARD, Niko Kovac demanded respect for Perisic’s individual qualities.

"“I have to say the following: Basically, I think the debate is out of place – you make a player bad here, regardless of where he comes from. Every player deserves the necessary respect – “and you cannot talk about a B, C, or X. I think we all have to ask ourselves if whatever has been going on here lately is running right or not? “"

Perisic was a star for Croatia during the 2018 World Cup. The winger scored thrice in seven games in the tournament with a goal to his name in the finals against France. Moreover, he was a constant threat from the left flank during his time in Inter Milan as he found the net 39 times with 30 assists in 162 appearances. (Stats courtesy: ESPNFC)

The Croatian does not merely add depth to Bayern’s squad, but he brings vital experience as well. Even if he fails to fill Ribery’s place, his flair to beat his man would surely be a big asset to the team. Given the option to buy the winger at the end of 30 June 2019, this signing reflects a shrewd strategy from Salihamidzic and gets an overall rating of 7/10.