Man Utd set to sign BARGAIN World Cup star as De Gea replacement

Suraj Radia

• 25 Apr 2023 07:48 CDT
• 2 min read

Manchester United are set to activate the release clause of Dominik Livakovic this summer according to reports in Croatia, with the Dinamo Zagreb goalkeeper available for just €10 million.

Livakovic was a standout performer at the 2022 World Cup, being renowned as a penalty-saving expert and helping Croatia reach the semi-finals in Qatar.

The 28-year-old was linked with a move to Bayern Munich in January but Sportske Novotski in Croatia claim that United are ready to pay the bargain release clause for Livakovic as they look to strengthen in goal.

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David de Gea is out of contract at the end of the season and, while United have an option to extend for another season, they are hoping to tie the Spaniard down to a new deal on significantly lower wages.

However, De Gea has committed a number of errors in recent weeks, leaving Erik ten Hag unconvinced over his long-term credentials and Livakovic could arrive as a competitor to the 32-year-old next season.

The report claims that Galatasaray, Villarreal and Real Sociedad all have an interest in Livakovic but he would have ‘nothing against’ ending up at United.

Livakovic could provide value competition for De Gea at Old Trafford

Livakovic is entering in the final year of his deal with Dinamo, having joined them in 2015, winning nine trophies and being named the best Croatian goalkeeper for the last four seasons.

He was also named in the 2020/21 Europa League team of the season and was a frontrunner for the Golden Glove at the World Cup in Qatar, having saved three penalties in Croatia’s quarter-finals shootout win over Japan.

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While there are some concerns over Livakovic’s ability to play with his feet, the bargain release clause represents value for United, who have relied on veteran keepers Tom Heaton and Jack Butland to provide competition for De Gea this season.

United are still thought to be fans of goalkeepers such as David Raya and Diogo Costa, however Livakovic is likely to be preferred due to his price tag, with Ten Hag prioritising his budget on a top level striker this summer.