Barcelona Secure Dominik Livakovic on Contract Through 2030

Croatia international goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic joins Barcelona from Fenerbahçe, signing a long-term deal to bolster the Catalan side's defensive depth.

Barcelona finalized the acquisition of 31-year-old Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic from Turkish side Fenerbahçe on Thursday, August 27, 2026. The veteran shot-stopper signed a contract extending until 2030, officially becoming the sixth player to join the Catalan giants during the current summer transfer window. This move follows the departure of long-time number one Marc-André ter Stegen, who recently moved to Ajax on a loan agreement. Livakovic joins a list of new arrivals that includes Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi, Jesse Bisiwu, Rodri, and João Cancelo.

Key details

Associated Press reported the transaction at 07:09 AM ET, confirming that the Croatian international will serve as a backup option for manager Hansi Flick. The current goalkeeping hierarchy features Joan García as the primary starter, with veteran Wojciech Szczęsny also providing competition for minutes. Livakovic’s arrival provides a seasoned alternative on the bench, ensuring the squad maintains three experienced options following the reshuffle of their defensive personnel earlier this month.

Livakovic’s professional trajectory began in the Croatian top flight with NK Zagreb before he transitioned to Dinamo Zagreb for the 2016-17 campaign. He spent seven seasons with the Croatian powerhouse, establishing himself as a fixture in the national team setup since 2017. His international resume is highlighted by participation in three consecutive World Cups and two European Championships, providing a level of high-stakes experience rarely found in a reserve capacity. After his lengthy stint in Zagreb, he moved to Fenerbahçe, where he spent two years under contract.

During his tenure with the Turkish club, the goalkeeper experienced a loan spell in La Liga with Girona. This period was marked by significant friction with head coach Míchel, who publicly criticized the player’s commitment to the team. The manager alleged that Livakovic refused to play in a specific fixture and expressed a desire to depart the club prematurely. Míchel further claimed the player was preoccupied with his status in the national team ahead of the World Cup rather than fulfilling his domestic obligations.

Latest developments

Following the controversial stint in Spain, Livakovic returned to Dinamo Zagreb on a temporary loan basis earlier this year. His permanent move to the Blaugrana represents a fresh start in the Spanish league, despite the previous accusations regarding his professionalism at Girona. Barcelona president Joan Laporta has overseen a period of intense activity, balancing high-profile signings like Rodri with the need for reliable depth across the pitch. The club is also reportedly monitoring the situation of Alejandro Balde, who has been challenged by Flick to elevate his performance levels.

In addition to the goalkeeping changes, the Catalan side remains linked with a potential move for Álvarez from Atlético Madrid. The 2026-2027 campaign roster is taking shape as the deadline approaches, with the club focusing on both immediate starters and long-term security. By securing Livakovic until 2030, the management has locked in a veteran presence for the next four seasons, mitigating the risk of injuries to García or Szczęsny. The Croatian’s ability to step in during cup competitions or emergency league starts was a primary factor in the decision to finalize this six-year commitment.

Flick’s tactical adjustments have already seen several established names exit or face scrutiny, emphasizing a meritocratic approach to the starting eleven. While Livakovic is not expected to challenge for the starting role immediately, his history of shot-stopping in pressure-filled international matches offers a safety net that the club lacked in previous seasons. The financial details of the transfer from Fenerbahçe remain undisclosed, but the length of the contract suggests a high level of confidence in the 31-year-old’s longevity and physical condition.