The latest twist in Alvaro Brachi’s soccer career should add hope to the lives of journeyman players and cash-strapped teams around the world … so long as they’re a little tech savvy.
Brachi signed with Slovenian club NK Domzale as a free agent just before transfer deadline day. The Spanish defender joined Domzale as a replacement for captain Nejc Skubic, who left for Turkey’s Konyaspor around the start of the new year. While that’s nothing special in itself, the way Brachi came to Domzale’s attention raises eyebrows.
Brachi responded to an ad Luka Ehtlsner posted on LinkedIn, looking for a right-sided defender who likes to attack and also possesses an European Union passport, according to The BBC.
Ehtlsner posted the ad on Jan. 7. 232 users viewed it, and 150 applied, with many also sending their highlight reels.
“We watched footage of the best candidates and analyzed them,” Domzale PR officer Grega Krmavnar told The BBC. “Brachi was the best candidate and we decided to invite him to Slovenia to train with us on a one-week trial and then signed him.
“We needed a player who was out of contract or wanted a change of environment and we think have found a very quality player.
“I believe we are the first club to find a player in this way.”
Brachi, 30, previously has played in Spain with Real Betis’ and Espanyol’s reserve teams as well as Cyprus’ Anorthosis and Hungary’s Videoton. He hasn’t played regularly and is approaching the end of his prime years.
Congrats to LinkedIn for another success story, and here’s hoping Brachi’s and Domzale’s gambles produce some on-field success.
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/uriyoou
