Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has now identified Dinamo Zagreb captain Dominik Livakovic as a possible transfer target to heap fresh pressure on goalkeeper Joe Hart.
That is according to Sky Sports, which reports that Rodgers wants Celtic to seal a transfer to challenge Hart. He is determined to add a worthy candidate for the No1 spot at Celtic Park this summer after returning to Glasgow to replace Ange Postecoglou in the Bhoys’ hot seat.
Rodgers believes Celtic need to sign a shot-stopper capable of rivalling Hart, despite having Scott Bain and Benjamin Siegrist available. He has also identified a host of potential targets to add depth between the Hoops’ sticks. But Celtic are so far yet to submit any official bids.
Celtic face rival interest in Livakovic’s transfer from Dinamo Zagreb
Livakovic is a prime candidate for a move to Celtic should Rodgers advance his desire for a challenger to Hart in the summer transfer window. The Bhoys are monitoring the 28-year-old’s situation closely with the Croatia international now into the final year of his contract.
Fiorentina expressed an interest in Livakovic’s transfer earlier in the summer but are yet to advance their pursuit any further. While Villarreal and Fenerbahce are also keeping tabs on developments in view of trying to tempt the 45-cap ‘keeper into a move to Spain or Turkey.
Livakovic could be a long-term option to replace Hart in Glasgow
Rodgers has identified Livakovic as a worthy candidate for a transfer to Celtic after keeping 13 clean sheets in 49 games for Dinamo Zagreb last season. He also made one of his clean sheets in the Champions League proper. The Croat helped Modri to a 1-0 win over Chelsea.
Livakovic further played every minute of Croatia’s run to third place at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He also kept two clean sheets after shutting out Morocco and Belgium. He saved shoot-out penalties by Takumi Minamino, Kaoru Mitoma, Maya Yoshida and Rodrygo, too.
Hart, meanwhile, helped Celtic win the domestic treble in his second season since signing from Tottenham Hotspur for £1m. Postecoglou raided the club he now manages to sign the 36-year-old in August 2021. Hart also kept 20 clean sheets over 50 outings during 2022/23.
Now, Rodgers feels Livakovic can rival Hart – who Postecoglou called ‘top quality just after his transfer – at Celtic next season. While the Hoops could similarly take advantage of the goalkeeper entering the final year of his deal at Dinamo Zagreb to sign a long-term option.
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