Vlak: Dinamo Must Not Skimp on Livaković Even a Single Euro
Legendary Blues goalkeeper Marijan Vlak says Dominik Livaković's return is crucial for the club's European ambitions and that negotiations with Fenerbahçe must succeed at all costs.
Legendary Blues goalkeeper Marijan Vlak says Dominik Livaković's return is crucial for the club's European ambitions and that negotiations with Fenerbahçe must succeed at all costs.
Dinamo has brought in numerous reinforcements during the current transfer window and secured optimism for the future, but the goalkeeper question still hangs in the air. While the team easily navigates the early stages of Champions League qualifying, those at Maksimir are aware that for a serious European push, they lack the most important thing: security between the posts.
The solution is well known. Dominik Livaković, the Croatian national team goalkeeper, already showed how much he means to the team during his loan spell from Fenerbahçe last spring. Now the Blues want to bring him back permanently, and according to Večernji list, the player and the club have already agreed on all personal terms, including salary. The only issue is the transfer fee demanded by the Turkish club.
Marijan Vlak, Dinamo's legendary goalkeeper from 1982 and a respected coach, has no doubts. His message is crystal clear: Dinamo must not let this deal fall through over a few million euros.
"Absolutely, Dinamo should insist on bringing in Livaković, no matter the cost. I believe it will pay off, just as his loan last spring did, when it was clear how important he is to the team. Admittedly, I thought one of the three or four goalkeepers Dinamo has would step up, but apparently none did what was expected. Dinamo wants a big result in Europe too, and I believe they need Livaković for that,"
Vlak said for Večernji list.
Vlak was extremely direct in his public address, emphasizing that Livaković's high-level consistency has lasted for ten years and that such caliber of goalkeeper guarantees results. He also reminded of his World Cup performances and Champions League experience.
"In my opinion, there is no amount not worth paying for him. I don't understand why some serious European club hasn't already signed him. When I see how much other goalkeepers are paid... Dinamo should not hesitate, nor haggle. It makes no sense to part ways with the Turks over a million or two euros. Livi can play for at least another five years, and he has major tournaments and the Champions League behind him. Few goalkeepers have such a CV,"
Vlak added.
Alternative solutions like Kahlina, Horkaš, or Zelenika are being mentioned, but Vlak is skeptical. He considers them good goalkeepers, but believes Dinamo already has similar ones in their ranks, referring to Filipović, Nevistić, and Zagorec. What the club needs, in his opinion, is a step up in class, not rotation at the same level.
Vlak called on the club's management, led by president Zvonimir Boban, not to hesitate. He stressed that time is crucial because important European matches are approaching, where a goalkeeper of Livaković's caliber could be the decisive factor for advancement. "I don't know what the Turks are doing or thinking; it's always drama there, but this needs to be resolved quickly," concluded the legendary goalkeeper.
