- Crystal Palace eye Dominik Livakovic
- Croatian made World Cup history
- Dean Henderson future
Crystal Palace are reportedly showing interest in Fenerbahce goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic ahead of the summer transfer window. The Croatian shot-stopper has spent the season on loan at Dinamo Zagreb.
Livakovic is best known for his heroics in the 2022 World Cup, when he helped Croatia knock out record holder Brazil. He became the first goalkeeper in the competition’s history to save four spot-kicks throughout a single tournament.
The 31-year-old has years of experience and could be on the move following his spell with Zagreb. He has been with the Croatian outfit during the second half of the season after lacking game time at Fenerbahce.
Palace Eye Livakovic
Livakovic has made 16 appearances across competitions this season, keeping five clean sheets. He’ll surely be leaving parent club Fenerbahce, whose number one is former Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson.
According to the Croatian outlet GermanijakHR, Palace are keen on signing Livakovic and can easily meet his salary demands. The Eagles are also thought to be willing to pay the shot-stopper’s €5m (£4.3m) asking price.
There’s no word on whether this is with Dean Henderson in mind, as the English goalkeeper heads into the final two years of his contract. He has been Oliver Glasner’s number one throughout the Austrian manager’s spell in charge.
Henderson has been linked with Tottenham Hotspur, although it’s been suggested that he wouldn’t be looking to leave Selhurst Park. He recently changed agencies, and some speculated that this factored in a new deal rather than a summer transfer.
Better Not be For Henderson
Palace’s interest in Livakovic is somewhat confusing given Henderson is the undisputed main man between the sticks. The Englishman has enjoyed yet another stellar season, keeping 17 clean sheets in 46 games across competitions.
Livakovic might well be an excellent shot-stopper, and he’s definitely worth the low fee that the Turkish giants are demanding. But he isn’t a necessity, as Walter Benitez has proven to be a solid backup to Henderson.
Palace appointed Henderson as captain following Marc Guehi’s departure in January. He insisted that players shouldn’t be thinking about their futures:
“They certainly shouldn’t [be thinking about their next move] and if they have they need to be very careful because if you don’t put the performances in, then ultimately you don’t get the move.”
Henderson has been with Palace since the summer of 2023, when he arrived from Manchester United for £20m. He has been influential in the Eagles’ recent rise, including saving a penalty in last season’s FA Cup final win.
