I believe Mandzukic is smart enough to know his line of play does not fit in with Barca strategy or else we'll see a replication of Barcelona been a bed of career-ending as some people you to say.
The player is still young though.
Did you say young? Mario mandzukic is 33 years old, that's in no way young if you ask me, he is way past his peak/prime.
Mandzukic to Barcelona would be an unwise move for the player as he'll see limited playing time, and I know he'll be briefed about that should the deal be on the verge of pulling through.
Mandzukic is definitely coming to be a backup and he better think twice if that's what he needs at this stage of his career, he'll eventually become surplus to requirement at some point and be moved on, just as Barca did you Boateng last season, a club with a lesser pedegree would fit Mario more.