FC Barcelona are on the verge of completing the signing of Croatia international goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic from Turkish club Fenerbahce, with the 31-year-old arriving in Barcelona on Tuesday, 25 August to undergo a medical examination and finalise a contract expected to be signed on Wednesday. The deal, reportedly worth around 4 million euros, would see Livakovic commit to the Catalan club on a four-year contract.

The Livakovic Signing: Key Details

Barcelona are set to pay Fenerbahce approximately 4 million euros (around 4.7 million US dollars) for the experienced shot-stopper. Livakovic, who holds 79 caps for Croatia and featured in all four of his country's matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup earlier this summer, is viewed at the club as a long-term successor to veteran goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, whose current contract runs until June 2027.

Loan or First-Team Role: Decision Pending

Barcelona have yet to determine whether Livakovic will remain with the first-team squad for the current season or be sent out on loan. The outcome reportedly hinges on the club's financial fair play situation. Dinamo Zagreb has been mentioned among the possible loan destinations should the club opt for that route.

Notably, this is not Livakovic's first experience in Spanish football. He endured a difficult loan spell at Girona last season, departing in January after a falling-out with then-Girona coach Michel Sanchez. Sanchez publicly accused Livakovic of refusing to feature in a Copa del Rey match, alleging the goalkeeper was pushing for an exit to secure regular playing time ahead of the World Cup.

Gavi Injury Adds to Barcelona's Concerns

Separately, Barcelona face a fitness concern over midfielder Gavi, who is doubtful for Thursday's La Liga home fixture against Athletic Club after sustaining a blow to his right knee during Sunday's 5-0 win over Elche. The 22-year-old was forced off shortly before halftime.

The club confirmed on Monday that tests ruled out ligament damage. 'Gavi received a blow on his right knee during yesterday's game,' Barcelona said in an official statement. 'The medical tests carried out this morning have confirmed that it is merely bruising and his return to training is expected to be in a short period of time.'

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick offered cautious reassurance, saying the injury was 'not as bad as we feared it could be when he went down.' However, given Gavi's significant injury history — he missed much of 2024 after a cruciate ligament tear and underwent keyhole surgery on the same knee in 2025, sidelined for a further five months — Flick is unlikely to risk the midfielder on Thursday.

Rodri Could Make Barcelona Debut

New signing Rodri could be handed his Barcelona debut against Athletic Club if Gavi is ruled out. The match represents an early test of Barcelona's squad depth as the La Liga season gathers momentum.