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FC Barcelona’s Livaković signing signals a new goalkeeping hierarchy around Joan García, while giving the club a valuable experienced backup before Szczęsny’s likely retirement.

As per reports, Dominik Livaković has joined FC Barcelona from Fenerbahçe for an initial €2 million plus add-ons, signing a four-year contract until 2030. He will wear No. 25, with Joan García taking No. 1 and Wojciech Szczęsny No. 13.

The Croatian has already been spotted in the stands alongside Gavi and Frenkie de Jong for FC Barcelona’s game against Athletic Club, but his arrival is about much more than simply adding another goalkeeper. With the club reshaping its goalkeeping department, Livaković could prove to be an important piece of the transition.

Planning for Szczęsny’s Exit

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Szczęsny’s contract runs until 2027, when he will already be 37, and given his age and previous decision to retire, Barça can reasonably expect him to call time on his career once his contract expires. Livaković therefore gives the club an experienced shot-stopper who can provide reliable cover behind Joan García when that moment arrives.

That experience is particularly valuable with 19-year-old Eder Aller currently serving as the third-choice goalkeeper. Aller has considerable potential, but Livaković allows him to develop without being rushed into high-pressure matches before he is ready.

Another Blow to Ter Stegen

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The signing also appears to send a significant message about Marc-André ter Stegen, whose contract runs until 2028. After losing the No. 1 spot to Joan García and falling out of Flick’s plans, the arrival of another experienced goalkeeper makes a return to the club increasingly difficult to imagine.

The door now appears to be closing permanently for the German, while Barça’s financial situation provides another reason for acting now.

The Camp Nou Factor

The Camp Nou renovation continues to put pressure on the club, with the installation of the new roof potentially forcing another temporary return to Montjuïc and further affecting matchday revenue. With tighter finances expected as the stadium project progresses, securing an experienced goalkeeper like Livaković for an initial €2 million represents smart business.

Barcelona may not have the same flexibility to make such a low-cost move once the financial impact of the roof installation and another spell at Montjuïc begins to bite.

A Move for the Future

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Livaković, then, is far more than a third goalkeeper signing. He gives Barça an experienced backup behind Joan García, buys Eder Aller valuable development time and ensures the club is prepared for the likely end of Szczęsny’s career as it moves towards a new era at Camp Nou.