Bayer 04 Leverkusen defender Aleksandar Dragović has joined Crvena zvezda on a three-year contract! The Austria international with Serbian roots will be a valuable addition to our squad ahead of the new season.
It’s a massive coup for our club to land an established Bundesliga defender in his prime, and Director of Football Mitar Mrkela is a delighted man today.
"We’ve wanted Dragović for a long time. And Dragović wanted to play for Zvezda all his life. We’ve had a good season, but we’re looking to improve and be even stronger next term. The addition of Aleksandar Dragović is an essential part of the process. He is a proven player, an Austria international and a player who’s been playing at a very high level in a strong championship. He’s done well in England and Germany, and I’m confident that he’ll prove to be a valuable part of Crvena zvezda’s side."
Dragović’s quality and experience will be a significant boost for our team, with European qualifications looming in late July. Mrkela is delighted to have Dragović with the squad in time.
"Aleksandar will help us a lot in the Champions League qualifying rounds. He is a top-class player, accustomed to European football. He’s used to playing against top-level teams every week. That is the sort of quality we’re always looking for."
Aleksandar Dragović is a lifelong Crvena zvezda supporter, and he loves to say that. His desire to play for his favourite club played a big part of his decision to come to Serbian football. Mrkela says that Aleksandar wanted to fulfil his grandfather’s wish.
"We’ve been speaking to Dragović for quite a while. His grandad’s wish has always been for Aleksandar to don the red and white stripes. Coming from a quality Leverkusen team, he could have chosen another club in Europe and probably earn more money, but you can’t put a price on your boyhood dreams. He’s come here to live his dreams."