Dominik Livakovic is one of many signings Barcelona have made this summer and at least on paper, it is the one which has generated the least amount of buzz as the goalkeeper will merely be serving as a backup for Joan Garcia.
That being said, Livakovic has had to sacrifice a great deal in his bid to join Barcelona this summer, notably declining a lucrative offer from Dinamo Zagreb, a club he was playing for on loan last season.
According to Croatian newspaper Jutarnji List (h/t SPORT), the option of rejoining Dinamo Zagreb was seriously considered by Livakovic if Barcelona had truly struggled to give him a registration guarantee.
Livakovic brings a wealth of experience to the table. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Croatian outfit were supremely impressed by Livakovic's performances last season and wanted to sign him permanently from Fenerbahce this summer.

#summer #least #last #season

The Europa League draw has also been completed and has given us some highlights for this season. You can find out which matches you can look forward to in our overview.
Bayer Leverkusen: Olympique Marseille (H), Olympique Lyon (A), RB Salzburg (H), Dinamo Zagreb (A), NK Celje (H), Lech Poznan (A), Besiktas (H), OF Iraklion (A).
Benfica Lisbon: AZ Alkmaar (H), AC Milan (A), Celtic Glasgow (H), Viktoria Plzen (A), Lech Poznan (H), Omonia Nicosia (A), OF Iraklion (H), NEC Nijmegen (A).
Juventus Turin: Real Sociedad (H), Alkmaar (A), Stade Rennes (H), Ferencvaros (A), Omonia (H), Celta Vigo (A), NEC Nijmegen (H), Hapoel Beer Sheva (A).
Olympique Lyon: Bayer Leverkusen (H), Real Sociedad (A), Union Saint-Gilloise (H), Anderlecht (A), Crystal Palace (H), Jagiellonia (A), Lillestrøm (H), TSG Hoffenheim (A).

#olympique #lech

After the Bundesliga clubs already found out yesterday who they will face in the Champions League, Bayer Leverkusen now also knows its opponents for the coming Europa League season.
The draw has just produced the following opponents.
Olympique Marseille (H), Olympique Lyon (A), RB Salzburg (H), Dinamo Zagreb (A), NK Celje (H), Lech Poznań (A), Beşiktaş (H), OF Iraklion (A).
The league phase begins on September 16, with UEFA set to announce the exact schedule and dates in the coming days. Next year's final, meanwhile, will be held in Frankfurt.
Are these manageable opponents for Leverkusen? What do you think? Feel free to share your opinion in the comments.

#champions

Dominik Livaković is set to sign for FC Barcelona, although it's still not clear whether he'll play for the Catalans this season or join Dinamo Zagreb on loan.
Barcelona already have Wojciech Szczęsny and Joan Garcia as goalkeepers, and there are rumors that they wanted to loan Livaković for a season while Szczęsny remains as backup to Garcia. However, competing whispers say that he could stay with Barça as Garcia's backup without going on loan first.
"I'm very happy to be here," the keeper said, having landed in Barcelona. When asked whether he would stay or go out on loan, he simply said, "we'll see."
The main deciding factor is reportedly whether Barça will have enough **** e within the FIFA Fair Play salary limit. If there's room, he'll stay, if not, he'll go out on loan and re-join in a year.
The keeper comes from Fenerbahçe, it's understood Barcelona will pay four million euro to sign him from the Turkish giants.

#he 'll #szcz

THUN, Switzerland (AP) — Swiss champion Thun sold two more players Monday from its surprise ******* le-winning team in a tough start to the season that included a quick exit from the Champions League.
Thun said defender Michael Heule joined Heidenheim in Germany and midfielder Valmir Matoshi went to Sturm Graz, the Austrian club that is in the Europa league this season.
Thun reportedly will receive 3.75 million euros ($4.4 million) in combined transfer fees for the pair, who each played more than 30 league games last season as the newly promoted team stunningly eased to its first Swiss ******* le.
In the first home game of its ******* le defense, Thun lost 6-0 to Young Boys and it was 7-0 to Lech Poznan last week in the first leg of a Europa League qualifying playoff. If Thun is eliminated after the return game Thursday it will play in the third-tier Conference League starting Oct. 15.
Thun began its season in Champions League qualifying rounds in July but was eliminated by Dinamo Zagreb. Thun held a two-goal lead deep into the second leg before defender Marco Bürki was sent off.

#thun #team

Lazio have officially announced their signing of Croatia international defender Josip Sutalo from Ajax on a season-long loan with an option to buy.
"Lazio announced that it has acquired the sporting rights for the player Josip Sutalo on a temporary basis from Ajax with an option for a permanent signing," the club confirmed in a short statement.
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – SEPTEMBER 17: Josip Sutalo of Ajax in action during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between AFC Ajax and FC Internazionale Milano at Johan Cruijff Arena on September 17, 2025 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Reports in Italy claim that Lazio have agreed to pay Ajax a fee of €3m to sign Sutalo on loan for the 2026-27 season and that they will have an option to make the move permanent for an additional €7.5m at a later date.
Sutalo has spent the last three seasons at Ajax having joined in a €20.5m transfer from Dinamo Zagreb in the summer of 2023 and has since gone on to make 76 appearances in the Eredivisie and 108 across all competitions. He was named in the Eredivisie team of the season in 2024-25.

#amsterdam

Outlets in Italy are reporting that Lazio have now finalised the final details of an agreement with Eredivisie giants Ajax for the transfer of centre-back Josip Sutalo, who will join the Biancocelesti on loan with an option to buy.
Reports on Wednesday indicated that the two sides were on the verge of reaching a full agreement for the sale of Sutalo, and now reports from Sky Sport Italia, Gianluca Di Marzio and various others on Thursday claim that the final details have been settled.
BACKA TOPOLA, SERBIA – AUGUST 01: Josip Sutalo of Ajax in action during the UEFA Europa League Second Qualifying Round 2nd leg match between FK Vojvodina and FC Ajax at TSC Arena on August 01, 2024 in Backa Topola, Serbia. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)
Sky reports that Lazio will pay a fee of €3m to sign the Croatia international on loan for the 2026-27 season and that they will have an option to buy for an additional €7.5m.
Sutalo had cost Ajax a fee of €20.5m when he joined from Dinamo Zagreb in the summer of 2023.

#reports #josip #topola

Lazio are working to offload Petar Ratkov this summer, with a third club now interested in the Serbian striker as his future at the club looks increasingly shaky.
According to Sky Sport, via TuttoMercatoWeb, Dinamo Moscow and Southampton have both made contact over a permanent deal, and they've now been joined by Red Star Belgrade.
Ratkov had hoped to fight for his place under Gennaro Gattuso at Formello, but has come to accept the coach would rather bring in a different option up front, leaving him open to a move.
None of the three suitors have yet convinced the striker to commit, and Lazio are pushing to get a sale over the line so they can reinvest the proceeds elsewhere in the squad.
TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Mauro Icardi of Galatasaray in action during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Juventus and Galatasaray A.S. at Juventus Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)

#italy #february

SC Paderborn are reportedly closing in on the signing of former Bayern Munich attacking prospect Gabriel Vidovic from Dinamo Zagreb. According to Croatian outlet Sportske Novosti, Paderborn are prepared to pay approximately €3m for the 22-year-old. Sky Germany – as relayed by transfermarkt.de – has subsequently confirmed the Bundesliga newcomers' pursuit.
Vidovic only completed a permanent departure from Bayern last summer. The Augsburg-born Croatia youth international joined Dinamo for around €1.2m after previously spending three separate spells away from the German record champions on loan.
His future had initially appeared less certain. Get German Football News reported in June 2025 that Heidenheim were attempting to acquire Vidovic, with the Ostalb club willing to consider either a loan or permanent transfer.
Only three days later, however, GGFN reported that Heidenheim had missed out as Vidovic instead moved towards a permanent switch to Dinamo Zagreb.
The Croatian attacker has since registered seven goals and five **** ists for Dinamo. His current market value stands at approximately €3m after previously reaching €3.5m during an earlier loan spell with the Zagreb club.

#vidovic #dinamo #zagreb #croatian

Former Bayern Munich prospect Gabriel Vidović could be on his way back to the Bundesliga.
The Dinamo Zagreb left winger / attacking midfielder is reportedly on his way to SC Paderborn per Sky Germany journalists Kerry Hau and Dennis Bayer:
SC Paderborn is on the verge of signing Gabriel Vidovic! The former Bayern Munich player is expected to join from Dinamo Zagreb for a transfer fee of 3 million euros—it would be the Bundesliga newcomer's record signing. Negotiations are in the final stages. SkySportDE _dennisbayer
Vidović's 2025/26 season was a productive return to Dinamo Zagreb after making his move from Bayern Munich permanent last summer. The Croatian attacker established himself as an important attacking option, contributing seven goals and six ******* ists in 37 games across all competitions.
The 22-year-old's ability to operate from the left wing and create chances made him a consistent threat, even if his minutes were sometimes limited. Vidović showed the attacking potential that made him highly regarded during his time in Bayern Munich's academy.

#dinamo

La Masia has been constantly producing talents ready for the first team for Barcelona in recent seasons, but that is not their only success story.
There are many other players who come through the famed academy but leave Barça in search of regular game time, going on to succeed at another club.
Among them is Sergi Dominguez. The 21-year-old left the Catalan club last summer in a €1.2 million transfer and enjoyed an impressive first season at Dinamo Zagreb.
One year on, Dominguez has established himself as one of the Croatian league's standout defenders, helping Dinamo win both the league and cup while earning a place in the division's Team of the Season.
Now, the former Barça defender has admitted that his long-term dream remains returning to the club.

#team #season

Heart of Midlothian, Hibernian, Motherwell and Rangers now have a clearer idea of who they might face in Europa League and Conference League qualifying after Uefa confirmed the groupings for Monday's draws.
Celtic already knew their potential opponents in their Champions League play-off, with their draw at 11:00 BST and the Europa League draw an hour later, followed by the Conference League at 13:00.
Now Rangers know that, if they defeat Polish side Jagiellonia Białystok in the third round of Europa League qualifying, they will face either Lillestrom of Norway, the winners of the tie between Northern Irish champions Larne and Iberia 1999 of Georgia, or the losers of two Champions League qualifiers - between Levski Sofia (Bulgaria) and Kairat Almaty (Kazakhstan) or Mjallby (Sweden) and Slovan Bratislava (Slovakia).
Having dropped down from Champions League qualifying, Hearts face Benfica and the winners of that also have four possible opponents.
Those are OFI Crete, the winners of Thun (Switzerland) and Vikingur Reykjavik (Iceland), or the losers of two Champions League qualifiers - AGF Aarhus (Denmark) and Sabah (Azerbaijan) and Dinamo (Croatia) and Kauno Zalgiris (Lithuania).

#league #rangers

Torino and Dinamo Zagreb have both reportedly held talks with the agent of Fenerbahce goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.
The Granata's search for a shot-stopper has been going on for many weeks with very little progress.
Another name on the list would seem to be Livakovic, because Turkish transfer expert Yagiz Sabuncuoglu claims that his agent held meetings with both representatives from Torino and Dinamo Zagreb.
TORONTO, ONTARIO – JUNE 23: Dominik Livakovic #1 of Croatia warms up before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between Panama and Croatia at Toronto Stadium on June 23, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
It comes after suggestions from Croatia that the 31-year-old's agent Andy Bara is going to push Fenerbahce for the exit this summer.

#croatia #Torino

Lazio may have secured Danilho Doekhi’s services, but they remain determined to recruit young Spanish defender Sergi Dominguez.
Last week, the Aquile announced Mario Gila’s departure to AC Milan, while Alessio Romagnoli confirmed he’s leaving the club ahead of an imminent switch to Al-Sadd. After losing their two most reliable centre-backs, Lazio are apparently planning to replace them with two new acquisitions.
So despite reaching an agreement with Dutch free agent Doekhi, the club continues to pursue Dominguez, who has been Angelo Fabiani’s top target for the past month or so. The Lazio sporting director returned from Croatia empty-handed after failing to convince Dinamo Zagreb to loan him out for €3 million with an obligation to buy for €8.5 million, but he’s expected to try again.
According to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, the Biancocelesti will launch a new onslaught for the 21-year-old defender in the coming days. Dinamo Zagreb are holding out for €15 million, and Lazio believe they’ll be able to satisfy their demands one way or the other.
The youngster rose through the ranks of Barcelona, who sold him to the Croatian champions last summer, but retained a 20% sell-on fee in case of a future resale. Dominguez enjoyed a splendid first season in Zagreb, playing an instrumental role in the club’s double domestic triumph.

Lazio are making important strides in their negotiations with Dutch defender Danilho Doekhi, but they also plan to resume Sergi Dominguez talks.
On Sunday, Italian journalist Matteo Moretto revealed that the Biancocelesti opened talks with the 28-year-old, who has become a free agent after seeing out his contract with Union Berlin.
A few hours later, transfer market guru Fabrizio Romano doubled down on the story, revealing that the two parties are making progress in their negotiations, and claiming that Lazio are confident about sealing the deal 'very soon'.
Reliable Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla confirms that Doekhi could indeed join the Italian capital side, and might not be the only defender to arrive at Formello this summer. After all, Lazio sold Mario Gila to AC Milan, while Alessio Romagnoli is finalizing his transfer to Al-Sadd, so two new signings might be required to fill in for the departing duo.
As Pedulla explains, Lazio remain **** bent on recruiting Sergi Dominguez, who is still their priority target. Although the club's sporting director Angelo Fabiani couldn't reach an agreement with Dinamo Zagreb during last week's trip to Croatia, the source insists that the Aquile remain optimistic on this front, despite reports claiming that talks have collapsed.

Lazio are keeping tabs on Dinamo Zagreb midfielder Luka Stojkovic, who also has other suitors around Europe, including Fulham.
On Thursday, Lazio sporting director Angelo Fabiani landed in Split for a meeting with Dinamo Zagreb officials. The discussions centered around Sergi Dominguez, a young Spanish defender who emerged as the Aquile's first choice to replace Mario Gila, who has been sold to AC Milan.
According to Il Messaggero, the two parties were able to close the gap, but they have yet to reach a definitive agreement for the 21-year-old defender. While Dinamo Zagreb agreed to lower their asking price to €12 million, Lazio are still offering a fixed fee of €9-10 million, while proposing to pay the remaining part through bonuses.
The Roman newspaper adds that Fabiani also seized the opportunity to enquire about Stojkovic, an attacking midfielder highly admired by Gennaro Gattuso. After all, the Biancocelesti missed out on signing Bayern Munich's Jonathan Asp Jensen, who will instead sign for Deportivo La Coruña, so they're searching the market for an alternative.
However, signing Stojkovic won't be easy, as he's coming off a sensational campaign that piqued interest in his services. The 22-year-old delivered 13 goals and 12 ***** ists last term, playing an integral role in Dinamo's domestic double triumph.

Lazio sporting director Angelo Fabiani has landed in Croatia to negotiate with Dinamo Zagreb for Sergi Dominguez.
The Aquile have recently reached a €30 million agreement with AC Milan for Mario Gila's transfer, while Alessio Romagnoli has long been given the green light to complete his transfer to Al-Sadd. Therefore, Lazio must sign at least one new centre-back this summer, and Dominguez has been at the top of the shortlist.
According to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, Lazio and Dinamo Zagreb are about to engage in direct talks, with the Croatian champions requesting €15 million, including bonuses.
This asking price is also confirmed by Il Messaggero, which notes that the Spaniard's original club, Barcelona, will receive a 20% sell-on fee. The Roman newspaper also reveals that the Biancocelesti's current offer is around €10 million, so the two parties still have a significant gap to bridge, prompting a face-to-face meeting.
Therefore, Fabiani travelled to Croatia on Thursday morning. He was spotted in the city of Split, as revealed by Calciopitolino.it.

Lazio are set to unblock their market by selling Mario Gila to AC Milan, and their first move could be bringing in a replacement in Sergi Dominguez.
On Tuesday, almost every major source in Italian media confirmed that the Biancocelesti and the Rossoneri have reached an agreement for Gila worth €30 million. Lazio have been confined to a net-zero transfer market, so this sale will allow them to spend money on new signings, even though they have to share their profit with Gila’s former club, Real Madrid, who have a 50% sell-on fee.
According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Lazio’s priority is to find a replacement for Gila, so they have already resumed talks with Dinamo Zagreb for Sergi Dominguez.
The 21-year-old Barcelona youth product has been the first name on Angelo Fabiani’s shortlist over the past few weeks, as he managed to impress in his first year in Croatia, helping his employers win the domestic double. Dinamo Zagreb are seeking €12 million, a figure the Aquile plan to reach by adding various bonuses.
Fellow Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla also confirms Lazio’s desire to sign Dominguez, naming him among the three main targets the management will now pursue after selling Gila. While the young Spaniard is the ultimate candidate to bolster the backline, Lazio also plan to make a decisive push for 20-year-old Bayern Munich attacking midfielder Jonathan Asp Jensen.

Lazio are on the cusp of selling Mario Gila, and they’re now keeping tabs on three defenders, including Brighton’s Diego Coppola.
Gila has already agreed personal terms with AC Milan, who offered him a €5 million yearly salary. The Spaniard would thus follow his defensive partner, Alessio Romagnoli, out the door, as the latter has already landed in Doha after receiving the green light to sign for Al-Sadd. Therefore, the Biancocelesti will be looking to buy at least one new centre-back, and sources haven’t ruled out two new arrivals.
According to Il Messaggero, three defenders have emerged as the main candidates to join Lazio this summer. The first is Coppola, a 22-year-old Italian defender who rose to prominence at **** as Verona, but struggled to settle at Brighton following his transfer last year.
The Italian international found success during his loan spell at Paris FC in the second part of the campaign, but his future remains up in the air. The Roman newspaper claims Coppola is pleading with the Seagulls to grant him leave so he can join Gennaro Gattuso’s team.
The second profile is Sergi Dominguez, who might be the first name on the shortlist of Lazio sporting director Angelo Fabiani. The 21-year-old is a Barcelona youth product who signed for Dinamo Zagreb last year and swiftly established himself as a pillar at the back, helping the Croatian giants win the domestic double.

Ismael Bennacer is still on the Milan books after the Dinamo Zagreb loan, but is taking matters into his own hands to find a new club this summer.
The Algeria international had been a big investment when making the transfer to Milan in 2019 for €17.2m from Empoli.
His career was at its peak when he suffered a devastating knee injury in May 2023, from which he struggled to fully recover.
epa11804086 AC Milan’s Ismael Bennacer (L) in action against Juventus’ Manuel Locatelli (R) during the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final match between Juventus FC and AC Milan, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 03 January 2025. EPA-EFE/STR
There was a loan at Olympique Marseille in February 2025 that was not made permanent, then another to Dinamo Zagreb in September 2025 when other markets had already closed.

Lazio are planning to sign at least one new centre-back this summer, and the top priority remains Sergi Dominguez.
The Biancocelesti have reportedly agreed to sell Alessio Romagnoli to Al-Sadd, while Napoli and Atalanta are vying for Mario Gila’s signature. These two potential departures will spark a defensive revamp at Formello. While the left-footed Oliver Provstgaard is expected to step into a starting role, the management still has to recruit a right-footed defender.
While some reports have identified Brighton’s Diego Coppola as the most plausible target due to his affordable cost, Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla insists that Dominguez remains the ultimate target. The 21-year-old is a Spanish defender who rose through Barcelona’s ranks before signing for Dinamo Zagreb last summer.
Dominguez immediately established himself as a protagonist at the back for the Croatian giants, helping them clinch the domestic double last season. His price tag has thus exceeded €10 million. While Lazio no longer have to worry about Tottenham Hotspur, who pulled out of the race, other Premier League clubs could enter the fray.
Pedulla insists the Biancocelesti won’t be able to make a move for Dominguez before cashing in on Gila. After all, they have been restricted to a net-zero transfer campaign, so they can only raise funds by selling players.

Tottenham set to pull out of race for ex-Barcelona prospect originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Before Tottenham Hotspur were linked to the likes of Jan Paul van Hecke and Sandro Tonali, they were set to hijack Italian side Lazio's transfer target, Sergi Dominguez. The Lilywhites were set to enter the race for the former Barcelona academy talent, as they were looking for cost-effective ways of fixing their defense, a part of their game that really suffered last season, allowing the fourth most goals in the Premier League, with the three relegated teams being the only ones to concede more.
Dominguez, who currently plays for Dinamo Zagreb in the Croatian top flight, was identified following a season in which he got involved in the creation of six goals, as well as recording 47 interceptions and 43 won tackles on the defensive end of the pitch. With the initial fee required for the Spanish defender being in the region of €4 million at the time, it could've been viewed as a no-brainer for Tottenham, but things have changed in recent days.
With further negotiations taking place, it appears that the North London club no longer has its eyes set on Dominguez, with the decision coming after the fee for Dominguez saw a noticeable rise, now sitting around €11-12 million, according to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, with their efforts being more focused towards the aforementioned Tonali.
"They're positive, but so far, Tottenham have decided not to delve any deeper because their priority is to sign a couple of midfielders (their number one target is still Sandro Tonali," writes Pedulla. "Their [Dinamo Zagreb] asking price is at least €11-12 million plus bonuses. Spurs recently made Senesi official on a free transfer and are focused on other deals."