According to Sport, Dani Olmo and Dominik Livaković were good friends during their time at Dinamo Zagreb. Both played for the Croatian club for four seasons, forging a deep friendship that has now extended to Barcelona.
From the 2016-17 season through the 2019-20 season, Olmo and Livaković played alongside each other 90 times at Dinamo. This was enough time for them to build a strong relationship. Dani received excellent treatment in Zagreb and eventually became the team's star player.
Livaković was the team's starting goalkeeper and built his professional career there before joining Barcelona. He previously played for Fenerbahçe and Girona.
The 31-year-old goalkeeper is Croatia's number one and has demonstrated strong consistency in major international competitions, particularly notable for his shot-stopping and penalty shootout saves.
Language advantage
Dani Olmo speaks Croatian fluently, which helps Livaković integrate into Barcelona's locker room. Livaković is also proficient in English, allowing him to communicate smoothly with the coaching staff and many teammates.
Additionally, Livaković has been fortunate to find a welcoming locker room. Both Juan García and Szczęsny are easygoing, so the Croatian goalkeeper should have no difficulty getting along with them.
However, it remains uncertain whether he will stay with the team or be loaned out. Livaković signed a four-year contract, while 36-year-old Szczęsny's contract expires at the end of this season.
Everything will depend on Barcelona's financial fair play situation. Casado's departure is still pending, and Héctor Fort's move to Real Sociedad is nearly confirmed. Alejandro Balde's future is also uncertain, though he appears likely to remain with the team for now.
Barcelona is assembling its roster, and Livaković could fit into the puzzle either this season or next. Either way, he will have the support of Dani Olmo, who is very influential in the locker room.
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