Barcelona are looking at Darijo Srna to replace their current right-back, Aleix Vidal, who is considered by many, to be a failed endeavour. The Croat is exactly the type of player that fits their bill: someone with tons of experience and a model professional.
Indeed, it was only after the Euro 2016 when he relieved himself from international duties for Croatia, after representing them for over a decade.
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And, according to TV3, Barca intend to acquire his services so that he can spend the final chapter of his career at the Camp Nou. The Catalan outfit will be looking to sign him in the upcoming winter transfer window.
The 34-year-old has been with Shakhtar for the last 14 years and is the captain of the team. Given his age, he won’t be costing the Blaugranas a lot of money and, hence, this move makes a lot of sense. He has played in a mammoth 500 games and has scored 48 goals in the process.
Srna is known for his brilliant crossing and free-kick taking abilities. The fact that he hasn’t already played for an elite level European club is an astonishing fact in itself. Not only is he a sound footballer, but he is also known for his charitable nature.
Off the pitch skills
Growing up, his father, who was also a footballer, showed a massive amount of support to his son to pursue his footballing dreams. When the Croat left Hajduk Split for Shakhtar Donetsk, he gifted a Mercedes to his parents as a display of gratitude.
His generosity isn’t only confined to his family members as he often buys tickets to Shakhtar games for orphans and even finances their travelling expenses. Not only that, back in 2014, he bought 20 tonnes of tangerines from farmers and donated them to over 23000 school children in the Donbass region who were suffering from the effects of war.
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Where would he fit in?
For Barcelona, he would most probably be the backup to Sergi Roberto, who has been exceptionally good at right-back ever since he took over from Dani Alves. Also, given that Vidal hasn’t really made a name for himself at the club, Roberto doesn’t truly have a backup.
Srna, meanwhile, would definitely provide stiff competition to the youngster and could teach him a thing or two about the position which he has mastered in his long playing career.
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