FC Barcelona manager Hansi Flick clarified that newly arrived Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livaković was signed to secure the club’s long-term future, leaving the 31-year-old’s immediate role in doubt ahead of the Spanish transfer window deadline, according to reports from HRT Sport.
Flick Outlines Stance on Goalkeeping Hierarchy
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Barcelona’s league fixture against Rayo Vallecano, Flick addressed questions regarding whether Livaković would serve as the primary backup to veteran goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny. The German manager affirmed confidence in the existing squad structure while explaining the strategic rationale behind the recent acquisition.
“Ne, sretni smo sa Szczesnyjem. Dominik točno zna kakva je situacija. Sretni smo, također, što imamo na raspolaganju tako iskusnog vratara. Osim toga doveden je zbog budućnosti, to je bila ideja, da se osiguramo za budućnost,” Flick stated, as reported by HRT.
Livaković completed a transfer to Barcelona from Turkish side Fenerbahçe last week, signing a four-year contract. However, with the summer transfer window closing on Tuesday, the Croatia international faces the prospect of either remaining in Catalonia as the third-choice option behind Joan Garcia and Szczesny, or departing on a temporary one-year loan deal.
Current Squad Status and Registration Hurdles
The newly signed goalkeeper has spent his first three days training alongside his new teammates at the club’s facilities. Despite participating in training sessions, Livaković will not feature in the matchday squad against Rayo Vallecano because his registration with La Liga has not yet been finalized.
Joan Garcia has firmly established himself as the first-choice option under the crossbar, keeping consecutive clean sheets in opening league victories over Elche and Athletic Bilbao. Meanwhile, management continues to evaluate roster adjustments before the transfer window shuts.
Next Steps Before the Transfer Deadline
Barcelona officials have until Tuesday to finalize any outgoing loan agreements or roster adjustments for Livaković. The club remains active in exploring potential attacking reinforcements following recent squad departures, though Flick indicated satisfaction with the current group’s progress.
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