The return of Dominik Livaković to GNK Dinamo Zagreb has been thrown into doubt due to a disagreement over the loan length between the Croatian club and FC Barcelona. The Croatian national team goalkeeper, who arrived in Catalonia on Tuesday for a medical and was expected to sign a contract until 2027, is now at the center of a negotiation battle.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Sport, cited by Index.hr, all three parties – Barcelona, Livaković, and Dinamo – initially reached a verbal agreement on a one-year loan. Dinamo, however, recently changed its demands. In a meeting a few days prior, the club's leadership decided it wants the goalkeeper on a two-year loan deal. The aim is to solve the goalkeeper position long-term and avoid a new search next summer.
Why is a two-year loan so important for Dinamo?
Dinamo's strategy is clear. The club wants stability in goal after Livaković already spent part of the last season at Maksimir. At 31 years old, the experienced international is seen as a safe option who would immediately take the number one role. A two-year deal would ensure the position does not need to be reopened in the summer of 2027, giving the club predictability in planning. Currently, Dinamo leads the Croatian Football League with a perfect record of three wins from three games, which you can follow on our standings page. The team has scored 9 goals and conceded just one, with striker Dino Beljo in top form with 5 goals.
How does Dinamo's demand disrupt Barcelona's plans?
Barcelona brought Livaković in as part of a future strategy, not an immediate solution. The Catalan club plans for Joan Garcia to become the first-choice goalkeeper from the 2027/28 season, following the expiry of Wojciech Szczęsny's contract. Livaković was slated to be his backup in that scheme. A one-year loan to Dinamo fit that timeline perfectly. If Barcelona agreed to a two-year loan, Livaković would return in the summer of 2028, a full year later than planned. This would completely disrupt the long-term vision of Barcelona's sporting director.
What comes next in the negotiations?
Negotiations are currently at a standstill. Dinamo Zagreb insists on a two-year term, while Barcelona only agrees to one year. Barcelona must now decide whether to send Livaković to another club on loan or keep him in their squad for this season. The uncertainty over the goalkeeper's future creates additional pressure on both clubs. For Dinamo, preparing for an away fixture against Istra 1961 on August 29th, stability in goal would be a major boost. Details on upcoming matches can be found on our fixtures page.
The return to Maksimir for Dominik Livaković, who played for Dinamo from 2016 to 2023, now hangs in the balance. The outcome of these talks will impact not only the goalkeeper's destiny but also the planned development of both major clubs in the coming years. Dinamo, currently dominating the HNL, wants to secure a key position as it continues its title charge, and the team roster can always be reviewed on the squad page.
