The 4th Official
·23 May 2023
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Yahoo sportsThe 4th Official
·23 May 2023
In a recent report, Defensa Cental mentioned that Real Madrid are showing interest in Dinamo Zagreb keeper Dominik Livakovic. It has been mentioned that Los Blancos are eyeing a move to land the Croatia international during this summer transfer period.
Livakovic is having a decent campaign at Dinamo Zagreb where he has performed at a high level as their first-choice keeper. The Croat custodian has made 48 appearances for his current employers this season, conceding 48 goals and earning 13 clean sheets in the process on all fronts.
The 28-year-old has caught the eye in Europe by averaging 1.0 clearances and 8.0 long balls per game in the UEFA Champions League. However, he needs to find a way to improve his ball distribution from the back after completing just 64.6% of his attempted passes in European football (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at Dinamo Zagreb is set to run out in the summer of 2024. Hence, Real Madrid could potentially sign him for a cut-price fee in this off-season.
DOHA, QATAR – DECEMBER 17: Dominik Livakovic of Croatia looks on during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 3rd Place match between Croatia and Morocco at Khalifa International Stadium on December 17, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Livakovic can be a safe pair of hands in between the sticks when he is playing well on the field. He has got decent reflexes that help him make a few solid saves at the back. However, the Croatia international has to figure out a way to improve his passing accuracy if he wants to be a success story at a top club like Real Madrid.
We can expect Livakovic to enhance the overall quality of Carlo Ancelotti’s match-day squad. He has what it takes to serve as an ideal understudy to Thibaut Courtois at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium next season. Furthermore, he would also act as a perfect replacement for Andriy Lunin who could leave the Madrid club during the summer transfer period.
At 28, Livakovic has already got some valuable UEFA Champions League experience under his belt and is more than capable of starting for Real Madrid in the domestic cup competitions next season. Thus, Ancelotti would be wise to move in for Livakovic when the transfer window reopens later this year. However, it remains to be seen whether the talented keeper can make a smooth transition to life in Spain.