Red Star Belgrade are on the verge of completing the signing of Ghana international Derrick Luckassen on a free transfer as the Serbian champions move to strengthen their defence ahead of a demanding season at home and in Europe.
The 30-year-old central defender, who can also operate at right-back, is expected to arrive in Belgrade in the coming days to finalise a three-year contract, according to information obtained by Africafoot and corroborated by local reports.
Luckassen is currently a free agent after the expiry of his deal with Pafos FC in Cyprus, allowing Red Star – known locally as Crvena zvezda – to secure his services without paying a transfer fee.
Versatile defender with European experience
Rated at €1m by Transfermarkt, Luckassen brings considerable experience from several European leagues, having previously played for PSV Eindhoven and RSC Anderlecht.
Comfortable both as a central defender and as a right-sided full-back, the Ghanaian international has been capped by the Black Stars and has featured in European competitions, attributes that are understood to have appealed strongly to the Red Star hierarchy.
His versatility is expected to give coach and recruitment staff greater tactical flexibility as the club prepare for a congested calendar that will include domestic fixtures and Champions League football.
Strategic move for Serbian champions
Red Star, reigning champions of Serbia, are looking to deepen their defensive options as they seek to defend their league title and make an impact in Europe’s premier club competition.
By moving for a player out of contract, the Belgrade club have secured what is being viewed as a shrewd piece of business, adding experience and depth without incurring a transfer fee.
The signing also fits into a broader strategy of blending domestic talent with experienced internationals, as Red Star aim to remain competitive both in the Serbian SuperLiga and on the continental stage.
Luckassen’s imminent arrival at the Marakana – Red Star’s iconic Rajko Mitic Stadium – underlines the club’s intent to be better equipped at the back, after recent seasons in which defensive stability has been viewed as crucial to their ambitions.
Boost for Ghanaian defender
For Luckassen, the move marks a return to the spotlight at a club with a rich European pedigree, including a historic European Cup triumph in 1991.
The defender will be hoping that a successful spell in Belgrade can further solidify his place in the Ghana national team set-up and offer another opportunity to showcase his abilities at Champions League level.
While final details have yet to be formally announced by the club, all indications point to Derrick Luckassen becoming Red Star Belgrade’s latest defensive reinforcement, in a deal that both parties hope will prove decisive in a pivotal season.
