Barcelona line up Livakovic succession plan after agreeing Fenerbahce deal

Barcelona have reached an agreement with Fenerbahce to sign Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic in a move designed to secure a reliable option for next season, with Wojciech Szczesny entering the final year of his contract.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Fenerbahce have accepted Barcelona’s offer for Livakovic, with the transfer now expected to move into the exchange of documents and completion of the formal procedures. The deal is understood to be worth about €4m.

Barcelona will spend the coming period preparing the necessary paperwork before finalising an agreement for Livakovic to remain on loan at Fenerbahce for one season. The arrangement would allow the goalkeeper to continue with the Turkish club during the current campaign before returning to Barcelona next summer and joining their squad.

The move comes as Barcelona supporters await news of a new striker during the final days of the transfer window. However, the club’s sporting department has also acted to strengthen its goalkeeping position, with Szczesny approaching the final season of his existing deal.

Barcelona want to ensure they have a ready-made alternative alongside Joan Garcia from next season, and believe Livakovic fits the profile required for that role. The possibility of completing the transfer for a fee close to €4m is also viewed by the Catalan club as a valuable opportunity to address an important position well in advance.

There are not considered to be any significant obstacles on the player’s side. Livakovic is understood to view a move to Barcelona positively and is waiting for the final stages of the process to be completed.

With Fenerbahce having approved the offer, the transfer is now regarded as being in its closing phase. Barcelona are expected to begin preparing the relevant documentation shortly, while the details of the loan agreement are settled. That arrangement would enable Livakovic to maintain regular football during the current season before making the switch to Barcelona next summer.

A key figure in the proposed deal is Croatian agent Andy Bara, who has built a strong relationship with Barcelona’s senior officials over a number of years. Bara is particularly well connected with sporting director Deco and club president Joan Laporta.

Bara has previously been involved in several operations linked to Barcelona, including the deals for Dani Olmo and Joan Garcia. His approach is valued by people within the club, especially because he is willing to explore solutions during negotiations when talks become complicated.

The development comes at a time when attention around Barcelona’s transfer activity has largely focused on the search for a forward. A separate line of speculation has also surrounded Deco and a possible trip to Portugal, prompting questions over whether the club’s sporting director is close to resolving the pursuit of a new striker.