Barcelona is facing a bitter nightmare that could prevent the club from utilizing one of its most prominent summer signings. The Catalan club announced the acquisition of Dominik Livaković in a somewhat surprising move, as the sporting management initially had no intention of strengthening the goalkeeper position. However, sporting director Deco wanted to get ahead of the curve and secure a replacement for Szczęsny for the 2027/2028 season, immediately after the Polish goalkeeper’s contract expires.
Why the Initial Plan Changed
The original plan shifted due to the potential need for a goalkeeper this season, especially given that Szczęsny is 36 years old and his physical fitness for high-level matches is in question. As a result, Barcelona signed Livaković, a seasoned 31-year-old goalkeeper who defended Croatia’s goal in the last World Cup.
The Financial Fair Play Hurdle
According to Spanish newspaper Marca, the problem lies in Barcelona’s financial fair play regulations. Despite the official announcement of his signing, the club has not yet registered Livaković in its records. Currently, the La Liga squad list includes only three goalkeepers: Juan García, Szczęsny, and Eder Aller, with no mention of the Croatian goalkeeper.
Delayed Registration and Uncertainty
Barcelona will delay Livaković’s registration until the last moment. The club believes it will obtain the necessary approval through financial fair play rules, but it is not entirely certain. The outcome will depend on the team’s upcoming moves and whether there is room for him in the wage bill. Although the Gabriel Jesus deal is not overly expensive, it will still impact the club’s budget.
Potential Loan Fallback
If registration ultimately proves impossible, the original plan will be reinstated: Livaković would be loaned out before joining Barcelona at the start of the 2027/2028 season. Nevertheless, the club remains optimistic and confident that registration can be completed this year.
