Leeds United submit £6m offer for 2022 World Cup hero, but Sunderland are also there
Sunderland and Leeds United Continue Transfer Push Ahead of Premier League Return – Croatia’s Dominik Livakovic Linked With Elland Road Switch
Sunderland and Leeds United remain active in the transfer market this summer as both newly promoted sides aim to defy the odds and avoid the typical struggles associated with life back in the Premier League. Strengthening their squads — particularly in crucial areas like defence and goalkeeping — is being seen as a top priority by both clubs as they prepare to face the challenges of top-flight football.
For Leeds United, bolstering the goalkeeping position has become increasingly urgent following a turbulent 2024/25 campaign between the sticks. Illan Meslier, once the club’s undisputed No. 1, endured a difficult season marked by a string of high-profile errors. Despite consistent pressure from fans and pundits, manager Daniel Farke was initially reluctant to drop the Frenchman, especially after witnessing shaky performances from other goalkeepers like those from Sunderland and Hull City.
It wasn’t until a home fixture against Swansea City that Farke finally acted, bringing in experienced shot-stopper Karl Darlow in an attempt to restore stability at the back. While Darlow brought a sense of calm to the position, it appears Leeds are now looking for a long-term solution — potentially turning to one of the standout performers from the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Leeds Eyeing Croatian Star Dominik Livakovic as Long-Term Solution
According to reports from AS Marca, shared via X (formerly Twitter), Leeds United have expressed serious interest in signing Croatian international goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic from Turkish giants Fenerbahce. The Whites are believed to have submitted a bid of around €7 million (£6 million) for the 30-year-old, who is widely respected for his exploits on the international stage.
However, Fenerbahce have set a much higher valuation, reportedly demanding €12–13 million to part ways with their No. 1. Leeds face stiff competition for Livakovic’s signature, with Sunderland, Aston Villa, Chelsea, and several clubs from the Middle East also monitoring the situation.
Livakovic first rose to international prominence during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he earned global acclaim for his exceptional performances in the knockout stages. His heroics in goal, particularly during penalty shootouts, became one of the defining narratives of the tournament. In Croatia’s Round of 16 match against Japan on December 5, 2022, Livakovic saved three penalties, helping his nation secure a dramatic victory and earning the Man of the Match accolade.
His stellar form continued in the quarter-finals against Brazil, where he made eleven saves in regulation and extra time before stopping another penalty in the shootout. Once again, he walked away with Man of the Match honours, further cementing his status as one of the standout goalkeepers of the tournament.
Fenerbahce Looking at Meslier – A Transfer Domino Effect in Motion?
In a fascinating twist, Fenerbahce are now being linked with a move for Leeds’ own Illan Meslier as a potential replacement for Livakovic, should he depart the Turkish club this summer. With Jose Mourinho now at the helm in Istanbul, Fenerbahce are reportedly exploring multiple goalkeeping options — including another Leeds target, Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, as they plan their next move.
This sets the stage for a complex web of transfers that could see goalkeepers moving in and out of both clubs in a domino effect. While Livakovic is a high-profile option, sources close to Leeds suggest that he is not among their top three primary targets in the goalkeeper department at present. However, the Croatian shot-stopper remains a strong backup option should the club fail to land one of their priority names.
Livakovic’s Recent Form and Career Overview
After a successful spell in his homeland with GNK Dinamo Zagreb, where he built a reputation as one of Europe’s most reliable goalkeepers, Livakovic made the switch to Fenerbahce. He enjoyed a promising debut campaign in the Turkish Super Lig, showcasing his shot-stopping prowess and commanding presence.
However, the 2024/25 season brought a dip in form, with inconsistency and a few notable lapses costing his side in key matches. Despite this, his track record at both club and international levels ensures he remains a desirable option for clubs across Europe, particularly those in need of experience and composure under pressure.
A Potential Coup for Leeds?
If Leeds United can bridge the gap in valuation and beat out competition from Premier League rivals and overseas clubs, securing Livakovic could be seen as a major statement of intent ahead of their Premier League return. While not currently top of the club’s shortlist, the Croatian could well prove to be a shrewd and experienced addition to Daniel Farke’s squad — especially given the question marks still surrounding Meslier and Darlow.
With pre-season preparations now in full swing and time ticking down before the new campaign begins, expect further developments on this front in the days ahead as Leeds push to secure a new No. 1.