Analysts point to Ivan Perišić after transfer rumours: ‘The first thing I thought about’

In the hunt for a new left-back, PSV is reportedly close to signing Filip Kostic, who is now available as a free agent after his departure from Juventus. That was reported earlier this week by transfer journalist Mounir Boualin of Soccernews.nl.

''Due to his transfer-free status, he would be interesting for the position of left-wing defender, and at 33 he is an experienced player who is certainly not worn out yet. However, there are multiple clubs that think the same thing, as the reigning national champions of the Netherlands. So the competition is considerable,'' the transfer journalist wrote earlier about the possible interest of PSV in Kostic.

The former FC Groningen player should become PSV's replacement for Anass Salah-Eddine in the left-back position. Salah-Eddine returned to AS Roma after the left-back was loaned out by PSV last season, and despite several offers was not convinced to stay longer at PSV.

The possible interest of PSV in the Serbian footballer is also discussed in the VoetbalPrimeur podcast DoneDeal. Among the guests is also former footballer Timo Letschert, who played together with Kostic at FC Groningen.

Letschert passes his time with Kostic at FC Groningen. ''He was a boy, did everything at 100%. Every shot on goal he actually wanted the goalkeeper and the ball, and everyone had to make the goal and it all had to be at 180 kilometers per hour'', the former defender looks back on his time with the Groningers.

Former coach Robert Maaskant, however, didn't see it as workable in the Serviër, just like Dick Lukkien. ''At one point Maaskant thought, 'Never mind, we don't need him.' Then he joined us at Jong Groningen and then Dick Lukkien also thought: 'We don't need him.' On the bench at Jong Groningen'', Letschert continues.

Then, in the summer of 2013, Erwin van de Looi was put forward as head coach. ''New season, new round, new opportunities. And according to me he needed one or two seasons, played everything, did well, and before you knew it he had moved on to Stuttgart. He's a guy who does everything at 100%'', the former footballer said about the Serb.

''Also, kind of a boy of his age'', editor Lars Teunissen then adds. ''That combo then gives me slightly Perisic vibes'', Teunissen continues, after which his co-editor responds: ''Exactly the first thing I thought of too.''