Barcelona reach initial agreement to sign Dominik Livakovic from Fenerbahce

Barcelona have reached an initial agreement with Fenerbahce to sign Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic for about €3m plus add-ons, according to reports in Spain and Croatia.

Negotiations are understood to be at an advanced stage, although the deal has not yet been completed. Barcelona are looking to secure the future of their goalkeeping position well before Wojciech Szczesny’s contract expires in June 2027.

The initial plan is for Barcelona to complete the signing of Livakovic and send him on a season-long loan to Dinamo Zagreb. He would then return to the Catalan club and become the second-choice goalkeeper behind Joan Garcia, who Barcelona view as their long-term number one.

Barcelona have not ruled out alternative arrangements. Livakovic could instead be loaned to another club, while there is also a possibility that he could be registered with Barcelona’s first team this season if the club’s salary-cap limits allow them to complete his registration.

The report was published by Spanish newspaper Sport, which cited Croatian website Index HR. It says the discussions between Barcelona and Fenerbahce have progressed significantly, but that the clubs still need to resolve the final details before the transfer can be officially confirmed.

Livakovic’s agent, Andy Bara, has reportedly played an important part in the negotiations. His good relationship with Barcelona helped the parties develop a proposal that could satisfy all involved.

The goalkeeper’s performances at the 2026 World Cup also strengthened Barcelona’s belief that he would be a worthwhile signing. The club are keen to settle the deal early rather than wait until Szczesny leaves.

Livakovic already has experience of Spanish football. He joined Girona on loan from Fenerbahce, but did not make an appearance for the club and his temporary move was ended ahead of schedule.

That spell also led to tension between Livakovic and Girona manager Michel. The coach said Livakovic had told him he did not want to remain at the club or play for them because he wanted to preserve his options before the World Cup and search for a new team.

After Livakovic’s departure, Marc-Andre ter Stegen became his replacement at Girona. The Croatian goalkeeper subsequently returned to Fenerbahce, where his performances have helped maintain interest from Barcelona.

The proposed move would therefore give Barcelona a chance to add an experienced international goalkeeper while allowing Livakovic to continue his development through regular football at Dinamo Zagreb before competing for a place in the Catalan club’s squad.