UPDATED: Bayern Munich bids farewell to Ivan Perisic

UPDATE: Bayern Munich officially bids Ivan Perisic farewell

Shortly after Hansi Flick stated that the club would not sign Ivan Perisic permanently, Bayern Munich made the news official in a press release.

Sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic stated, “Ivan has behaved very professionally over the past year and he was an important member of our team and played his part in winning the Bundesliga, the DFB Cup and the Champions League. We wish him all the best for the future.”

Hansi Flick added, “I’d like to thank Ivan for his performances and his contribution to winning the treble. We were very happy working with him. You could see Ivan’s qualities, in particular at the Champions League finals tournament in Lisbon.”

The Bavarians wanted to sign Perisic permanently as their fourth winger, but they could not reach an agreement with Inter Milan over his transfer fee and Perisic’s relatively high wages were also problematic.

Adieu, Ivan “the Pretty Good” Perisic! It was a great year!

Bayern Munich looks like they will part ways from the loanee trio before the start of the 2020/21 season. Philippe Coutinho, Alvaro Odriozola, and Ivan Perisic will return to their respective clubs.

According to Abendzeitung, this was confirmed by Hansi Flick on the sidelines of the presentation of the trophies won by Bayern Munich in 2019/20. When asked about the future of the three players, Flick answered that ‘’It has been decided that we’ll no longer use the three players.’’

While both Coutinho and Odriozola’s departure from Munich looked fairly certain, Perisic’s possible extension looked at times likely. Now, it looks like Bayern will have to resort to the wingers they have on a permanent basis.

Perisic scored eight goals and assisted ten in all competitions for Bayern Munich this season. He’s been a great back-up option who always gave his all when putting on the Die Roten jersey. Whether it is because of economic or personal reasons, Perisic’s departure from the club will leave a hole for a squad that needs depth for the upcoming season.

During the presentation, Flick was also asked about the future of Thiago and David Alaba. The treble-winner gave a very diplomatic, yet uncertain, answer: ‘’As long as they are in the squad, I plan with both of them.’’

BFW fun fact of the day: Getting signed by Bayern Munich after a loan spell is a tough task. Since the start of the decade, ten players have been signed by Bayern on loan, while only one has returned as a permanent signing: Kingsley Coman.