Red Star Belgrade to Buy Strahinja Eraković from Zenit for €3.5 Million

Red Star Belgrade have no doubts about the future of Strahinja Eraković. The Serbian champions are planning to buy the defender’s contract from Russian side Zenit for €3.5 million, the club’s general director Zvezdan Terzić has confirmed.

Eraković returned to the Marakana during the spring part of the season on loan from Zenit. Although he needed some time to rediscover his best form, the Serbian centre-back gradually became an important part of the team again. One of the highlights of his return was his goal against Red Star’s eternal rival, his first senior goal since 2019.

According to the agreement reached between Red Star and Zenit when the loan deal was completed, the Belgrade club have the option to buy 50 percent of Eraković’s contract for €3.5 million. Judging by the latest statements from the club, Red Star have already decided to activate that option.

“We will buy Eraković’s contract. He is a very important player for us,” Terzić told Russian media.

Red Star have until August 31 to make the purchase official. This means Eraković is expected to play in the Champions League qualifiers as a Zenit loanee, but it is already clear that Red Star see him as part of their long-term plans.

The club could still sign another central defender before the end of the transfer window, but Eraković’s status in the squad is not in question. Head coach Dejan Stanković is counting on him as one of the key players in the defensive line.

This spring, Eraković made 19 appearances for Red Star, scoring one goal and providing one assist. His return to the Marakana has proved to be an important move for the Serbian champions, who want to maintain defensive stability ahead of the most important challenges of the new season.