Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic passed his medical examination with FC Barcelona on Wednesday. This final step clears the way for his official signing from Turkish club Fenerbahçe.
The 31-year-old arrived in the city on Tuesday afternoon and attended the Hospital de Barcelona on the morning of August 26. The transfer agreement, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, is worth two million euros fixed plus another two million in add-ons. Livakovic will sign a four-year contract keeping him at the club until 2030.
What will Livakovic's role be this season?
The immediate role for the Croatian keeper is not yet decided. The club's initial plan was to loan him out this campaign, likely to Dinamo Zagreb, and incorporate him next season once Wojciech Szczesny's contract expires. However, the possibility of him staying immediately as backup to Joan García has not been ruled out.
Everything depends on the available salary margin within La Liga's financial 'fair play' limits. If Barcelona has sufficient salary cap space, Livakovic will be part of the squad right away. Otherwise, the club will seek a loan move for him. Dinamo Zagreb, where he already played on loan from January of last season after leaving Girona, appears as a possible destination.
How does this signing fit Barcelona's current context?
The club accelerated the operation in recent days to finalize the deal. This addition comes with the team sitting fifth in La Liga, with three points after one win from their opening match. Barcelona has scored five goals and conceded none, giving them a +5 goal difference. Fermín López is the team's top scorer with two goals in one appearance.
The team trails leaders Sevilla by three points and faces Athletic Club at home on Thursday, August 27. You can check the full schedule on our fixtures page. The squad, which now includes Livakovic, can be viewed in detail in the team section.
What did Livakovic say after his medical?
The goalkeeper himself expressed happiness after completing the tests. "I am very happy to be here," said Livakovic. Regarding his immediate future, he added cautiously: "Will I stay here this season? We'll see."
His arrival strengthens a key position as the team looks to stay in the title race. The current standings, which you can follow on our league table, show a solid start. The final decision on his role this year will be made based on the club's financial management in the coming days. If he stays, he brings immediate experience. If he goes out on loan, his definitive incorporation is planned for the summer of 2027.
