The likes of Sunderland and Leeds United are continuing to add to their squads ahead of the Premier League.
The duo are looking to break the cycle for newly promoted clubs and quality in both boxes is sure to be vital for that possibility, especially after Leeds United’s issues in goal in 2024/25.
Illan Meslier was dropped for numerous high-profile errors, with Daniel Farke having refused to drop Meslier after Sunderland and Hull City’s calamitous displays.
It was after the Swansea City fixture at Elland Road that Farke finally made the decision to bring in Karl Darlow, but now they could be eyeing a 2022 World Cup hero to take the starting berth over both Meslier and the Welshman.
Croatia v Morocco: 3rd Place - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
Photo by Tnani Badreddine/DeFodi Images via Getty Images
Leeds eye Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic of Fenerbahce
The Whites have Croatian number-one Dominik Livakovic in their sights, according to AS Marca via Twitter/X.
🔥🔥🔥 ÖZEL – SON DAKİKA:
🧤 Leeds United, 30 yaşındaki dünyaca ünlü kaleci Dominik Livakovic için Fenerbahçe’ye €7M teklif etti. #LUFC
💰 Fenerbahçe’nin bu transfer için beklentisi €12-13M.
👀 Sunderland, Aston Villa Chelsea ve Arap kulüpleri de takipte. #SAFC #AVFC #CFC pic.twitter.com/JpjQ8bMPS3
— As Marca (@asmarcatr) July 8, 2025
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They report Leeds have offered Fenerbahce €7 million (£6 million) for the 30-year-old “world-renowned goalkeeper” Livakovic.
However, Fenerbahce’s expectation for this transfer is closer to €12-13 million and other clubs are in the mix. They state “Sunderland, Aston Villa, Chelsea, and Arab clubs are also keeping tabs.”
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It’s not the first time Leeds have been linked to Livakovic, with interest emerging during the tournament where he made a name for himself in European football.
To the majority of English fans, Livakovic is most well known for his excellent penalty shoot-out heroics. On December 5th 2022, in the 2022 FIFA World Cup round of 16 match against Japan, Livakovic was named Man of the Match.
That was due to saving three penalties in the shoot-out to help his side advance to the quarter-finals. He then excelled in the next round as well, with Croatia facing Brazil.
He saved another penalty in the shoot-out against the South American giants, helping Croatia advance to the semi-finals. In that game, he also produced eleven saves, with the performance earning him another Man of the Match award.
Interestingly, Fenerbahce were linked with Illan Meslier as they look to replace Livakovic this summer. Jose Mourinho’s side have also registered interest in Leeds target Vanja Milinkovic-Savic.
Vanja Milinkovic-Savic of Torino FC looks on prior to a Serie A game.
Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images
Leeds’ three primary goalkeeping targets do not include Dominik Livakovic
No matter the outcome, there is a game of transfer dominoes taking place involving Leeds and Fenerbahce in the goalkeeping department.
That being said, he may well be on Leeds’ shortlist but there are three clear names at the top.Leeds United News sources have confirmed the three-man list at the top of Leeds’ goalkeeper shortlist.
They are the primary candidates over Livakovic, although the 30-year-old would be an excellent alternative if he can recapture some form.
He enjoyed a strong first season in the Turkish Super Lig but last season saw inconsistency creep in. Livakovic was outstanding in his native country prior to that with GNK Dinamo Zagreb.