Dominik Livaković is a Barcelona player, just not yet. The deal for the Croatia goalkeeper is finalised at €2 million plus €2 million in add-ons, and he joins in July 2027 rather than this summer. He will not play for Barcelona this season.
The deal
Barcelona and Fenerbahçe have settled on €2 million up front with a further €2 million in add-ons, taking the total to €4 million if everything triggers. Personal terms with the player were agreed first, and the club-to-club side is now closed.
For a goalkeeper with 76 caps and a World Cup semi-final behind him, €4 million all in is a small number. That is what buying a year ahead of the need looks like.
Why July 2027
Wojciech Szczęsny's contract runs to 30 June 2027. Livaković arrives the day the Pole's deal ends, stepping in as second choice behind Joan García rather than competing for the shirt now.
It is planning of a kind Barcelona have not often managed in this position. The goalkeeping department has spent recent seasons reacting to problems, and here the successor is signed and dated before the vacancy exists.
Nothing changes this season
This is worth being clear about, because a confirmed signing usually means a new face in training within days. Not here. Livaković does not join the squad, does not appear in Hansi Flick's plans, and will not feature in a Barcelona shirt during the current campaign. The first time he pulls one on is next summer.
The agent in the middle
The negotiation was helped by Andy Bara, who represents Livaković and has a strong working relationship with Barcelona. That connection is part of why a deal at this price came together quickly.