Barcelona Moves Swiftly to Secure Dominik Livakovic Transfer
Barcelona has quickly made progress in signing Dominik Livakovic by shortlisting and finalizing an agreement within just a few days. Despite not viewing the goalkeeping position as a top priority this summer, with Wojciech Szczesny available to support Joan Garcia, the club acted decisively on a market opportunity.
Although the transfer has not yet been officially confirmed, Livakovic arrived in Catalonia earlier this week to complete the necessary formalities. As reported by Mundo Deportivo, Livakovic landed in Barcelona on Tuesday and underwent medical tests today as a new addition to the Barcelona squad.
Later in the afternoon, he shared a meal with club president Joan Laporta, vice president Rafa Yuste, and others, which is customary for new signings. He also visited the club offices to finalize his contract, which will extend until 2030. The official announcement of his signing was anticipated to take place on Wednesday but has since been pushed back to Thursday due to pending documents from Fenerbahce, who are currently engaged in a crucial UEFA Champions League match against Olympique Lyonnais.
Loan Decision Pending
Initially, the plan regarding Livakovic’s transfer involved a potential loan back for a season, allowing him to return to Barcelona the following summer, and both clubs reached a preliminary understanding on this matter.
However, recent discussions suggest that Barcelona may prefer to keep Livakovic for the current season, as they believe a loan would not benefit either party. A final decision on whether he will remain with the squad or head out on loan is still to be made, hinging on Barcelona’s financial fair play considerations.
It may take a few days for Livakovic to learn about his immediate situation, but it is evident that he will become a Barcelona player, whether this season or in the future.
Barcelona have moved with real purpose in the story of Dominik Livakovic as they shortlisted, approached, and closed the agreement in a matter of days.
The goalkeeping position is not seen as a priority this summer with Wojciech Szczesny still available to provide cover to Joan Garcia.
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Deco and Co., however, saw the market opportunity that presented itself and pounced on it immediately to close the signing. The transfer is not official yet, but the player arrived in Catalonia earlier this week to complete formalities.
Contract signed
As confirmed by Mundo Deportivo now, Livakovic landed in Barcelona on Tuesday and completed his medical tests as a new Barcelona player earlier today.
Livakovic will be announced on Thursday. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
In the afternoon, he went out to have lunch with Joan Laporta, Rafa Yuste and others – as is the tradition after any new signing is completed. He also travelled to the club offices to sign his deal until 2030.
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The official announcement of his signing was expected to arrive late on Wednesday, but will now be delayed to Thursday.
As part of the same report, the Spanish outlet confirms that the Catalans are yet to receive some documents from Fenerbahce who have been busy all day with their vital UEFA Champions League clash against Olympique Lyonnais.
The official announcement, thus, will arrive on Thursday.
Loan decision to be made
The initial plan around Livakovic’s arrival was for the player to return on loan for a season and return to Barcelona next summer – and the two clubs had an understanding on the same.
Will he stay or leave on loan? (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
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In recent days, however, word spread that the Catalans preferred to have the player stay from this season and that they did not see the loan inclusion serving any party well.
A final decision is yet to be taken on whether the player will stay this campaign or leave, and it will all come down to Barcelona’s financial fair play.
It will, thus, take a couple of days before Livakovic knows of his exact short-term future. What is clear, however, is that he will be a Barcelona player sooner or later.
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