- Barcelona signed Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic from Fenerbahce on a four-year contract until 2030
- Atletico Madrid’s Board of Directors unanimously ruled out talks with Barcelona over Julian Alvarez, stating there was “zero consideration” of a move
- Barcelona will host Athletic Bilbao in La Liga today after opening their title defence with a 5-0 win at Elche last weekend
Barcelona Add Livakovic to Flick’s Goalkeeping Group
Barcelona have completed the signing of Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic from Fenerbahce, with the Spanish champions confirming that the 31-year-old has agreed a four-year contract until 2030.
The move gives coach Hansi Flick another senior option in goal after Marc-Andre ter Stegen joined Ajax on loan earlier this month. Livakovic is expected to challenge first-choice goalkeeper Joan Garcia, while veteran Wojciech Szczesny remains available as additional cover.
The transfer fee is said to be two million euros, with a further half a million in add-ons.
Livaković, blaugrana until 2030. ✍️ pic.twitter.com/Yisn2EE2Xs
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 27, 2026
Livakovic’s Club and International Record
Livakovic arrives at Barcelona after spending two seasons with Fenerbahce, where he made 74 appearances and recorded 24 clean sheets. Before moving to Turkiye in 2023, he enjoyed a highly successful spell at Dinamo Zagreb, winning multiple domestic titles.
At international level, Livakovic has been a regular for Croatia since 2017. He has represented his country at three World Cups and two European Championships.
Sixth Signing of Barcelona’s Transfer Window
Livakovic becomes Barcelona’s sixth arrival of the transfer window. He follows Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi, Jesse Bisiwu, Rodri and Joao Cancelo into the squad.
On the pitch, Barcelona will host Athletic Bilbao in La Liga later today. They began their title defence and their pursuit of a third successive crown with a 5-0 win away at Elche last weekend.
Atletico Stand Firm Over Julian Alvarez
While Barcelona have strengthened their goalkeeping department, their reported interest in Julian Alvarez has been firmly rejected by Atletico Madrid. Atletico’s Board of Directors unanimously supported the club’s position on the Argentina forward, ruling out negotiations with Barcelona and declaring there was “zero consideration” of a transfer to the Catalan club.
“Atletico de Madrid trust that our player will understand the decision and will remain focused on helping the club achieve its goals, just as he has done during the two seasons he has been defending our colours,” Atletico said in the statement.
It followed comments made a day earlier by Barcelona president Joan Laporta, who said the Spanish champions were interested in signing Alvarez.
“Atletico de Madrid is open to standard transfer market negotiations when conducted in a professional, ethical and respectful manner,” Atletico’s Board of Directors said in today’s statement.
“We fully stand behind the club’s previously communicated position that FC Barcelona failed to meet these requirements and, as a result, there will not be any negotiation and there is zero consideration of an Alvarez transfer to Barcelona.”
Fan Reaction and Transfer Context
Alvarez, who helped Argentina win the 2022 World Cup, has faced criticism from Atletico supporters following reports linking him with Barcelona. He was booed while warming up and again after coming on during Atletico’s 2-2 home draw with Villarreal on Sunday.
During the 2026 World Cup, Alvarez said he had spoken to the Madrid club about a possible transfer to “fulfil my dream”.
Atletico had already stated on Wednesday that there was a zero percent chance of selling Alvarez to Barcelona, adding: “This situation isn’t about money, it’s about dignity.”
Laporta, however, said Barcelona’s interest and offer for Alvarez would remain in place until the transfer window closes if Atletico choose to sell. He also said Barcelona had met the required standards in their dealings over the Argentine.
Alvarez’s Atletico Numbers
Since joining Atletico from Manchester City in 2024 on a six-year contract, Alvarez has scored 49 goals and supplied 17 assists in 107 appearances.
