Barcelona have taken a significant step towards securing their goalkeeping options by reaching an agreement with Fenerbahce for Croatia international Dominik Livakovic.
The proposed deal, reported by Spanish newspaper Sport, is understood to be worth about €4m and is now expected to move into the documentation and formal administrative stages.
Barcelona are preparing the paperwork before finalising an agreement that would see Livakovic remain with Fenerbahce on loan for one season. He would continue with the Turkish club during the current campaign before returning to Barcelona next summer to become part of their squad.
The move comes as supporters continue to await the arrival of a new striker during the final days of the transfer window. Barcelona’s sporting department has instead made progress in goal, with Wojciech Szczesny entering the final year of his contract.
The Catalan club want to ensure they have an experienced and ready-made option alongside goalkeeper Joan Garcia from next season. Barcelona believe Livakovic has the qualities required for that role, while the possibility of securing him for a fee close to €4m is viewed internally as a valuable opportunity to address an important position well ahead of time.
There do not appear 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 accepted Barcelona’s offer, the transfer is now considered to be in its closing phase. Barcelona are expected to begin preparing the necessary documents shortly, before the precise details of the loan arrangement are settled.
That structure would allow Livakovic to maintain regular football during the current season while Barcelona plan for his return next summer.
A key figure in the negotiations is Croatian agent Andy Bara, who has a strong relationship with the Barcelona hierarchy. Bara has maintained a good connection with the club’s officials for several years, including sporting director Deco and president Joan Laporta.
He has previously been involved in a number of operations linked to Barcelona, including the deals for Dani Olmo and Joan Garcia. His approach is valued within the club, particularly because of his willingness to look for solutions during negotiations, even when discussions become complicated.
The goalkeeper agreement provides Barcelona with progress in an area that had become increasingly important because of Szczesny’s contract situation. It also gives the club a clearer succession plan, with Livakovic potentially joining Garcia as part of the goalkeeping group from next season.
Readers can discuss the subject and other football news in greater depth on the Kooora forums.
