Tottenham and Chelsea were reportedly scouting Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic at the World Cup in Qatar – a player that blew Luka Modric away after the penalty shootout that saw Croatia beat Japan, largely thanks to Livakovic.
Livakovic, 27, was one of the breakout stars of the World Cup. The Croatian goalkeeper produced two clean sheets in three group stage games against Belgium and Morocco – the latter who would also reach the semi-finals in Qatar.
Two penalty shootouts followed in the last 16 and the quarter-finals. Against Japan, he saved three penalties to send Croatia through – and against Brazil, he stopped one. Ben Jacobs says that Tottenham and Chelsea have scouted him.
Made in Foot say Leeds are also keen, with £9million enough to land the Dinamo Zagreb goalkeeper. Speaking after watching Livakovic save three of Japan’s penalties, Modric branded goalkeeper Livakovic as “miraculous” to FIFA plus.
Tottenham scouting Livakovic: Blew Modric away after penalty shootout
What a bargain Livakovic would be for £9million. Tottenham and Chelsea need goalkeepers. At Stamford Bridge, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy have shown bouts of form that are simply not good enough. They need replacing.
Tottenham need a goalkeeper, too. Hugo Lloris is now 36 and it is widely believed that this will be his last season as Tottenham’s no.1. Something that has arguably been a long time coming. Is Livakovic the man for Chelsea or Spurs?
He would be an upgrade on Lloris, Kepa or Mendy. But the question is, is he high profile enough to appease Spurs fans or Chelsea. He has been superb at the World Cup, and he has been superb for Zagreb. They may have to take that risk.
But at £9m, he would be low risk and given both clubs spent fortunes in the summer, Livakovic might be seen as ideal. Especially, because of his World Cup form. He might just save either club millions in the transfer window, in January.
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