Barcelona close in on Livakovic deal
Barcelona have moved closer to securing their goalkeeping future with a preliminary agreement over Croatian international Dominik Livakovic, according to reports from Sport, citing Croatian outlet Index HR. The deal, worth around €3 million plus add-ons, would see the 31-year-old join from Fenerbahce, though talks are described as well advanced rather than complete.
The move is part of a long-term plan to strengthen the position once Wojciech Szczesny's contract expires in June 2027. Barcelona's initial idea, as reported, is to sign Livakovic this summer and then loan him to Dinamo Zagreb for a season, with a view to bringing him back as deputy to Joan Garcia, who the club are backing as their number one.
Other routes remain open: Barcelona could loan Livakovic elsewhere or even register him with the first team this season should salary cap rules allow it. The club are reportedly keen to tie up the deal early rather than wait for Szczesny to leave.
Agent and World Cup influence
Livakovic's agent, Andy Bara, has been central to the negotiations, with his strong relationship with Barcelona helping shape a formula that could suit all parties. The goalkeeper's performances at the 2026 World Cup also swayed Barcelona's sporting management, according to the reports.
Livakovic's situation at Fenerbahce has been a factor. He is back at the Turkish club after a loan stint with Dinamo Zagreb, but is not regarded as first choice, and an exit before the end of the summer market has been considered. He made only 19 appearances for Fenerbahce and Dinamo Zagreb during the 2025-26 season and is said to want first-team football.
Previous experience in Spain
Spain is not new territory for Livakovic. He previously joined Girona on loan from Fenerbahce but never played a single match before the deal was cut short. Girona coach Michel revealed that Livakovic had told him he did not want to carry on or play, preferring to keep his options open ahead of the World Cup and hunt for a new club. Marc-Andre ter Stegen took his place at Girona after he left.
Context at Barcelona
Barcelona finalised their most high-profile addition of the summer earlier this week when Rodri completed a switch to Camp Nou. Hansi Flick is keen to make further alterations to his squad, and the goalkeeping position is one area under consideration. Joan Garcia and Szczesny are currently regarded as the two senior options for the La Liga champions.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that changes to the position are being considered. Barcelona are said to have a possible plan of signing Livakovic this summer before sending him out on loan for 2026-27, with the idea of using him as deputy to Garcia once Szczesny is out of contract. At this point, Livakovic's stance on the potential scenario is unclear, but he has two years left on his contract at Fenerbahce.
Any loan deal would recoup a portion of the outlay, and Barcelona would then have two highly-regarded goalkeepers in their ranks for 2027-28. There is also hope that 20-year-old Aron Yaakobishvili, who has made his senior debut for Hungary, can eventually challenge for a first-team role.