3 weeks ago
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Liverpool is weighing up its options for young midfielder Stefan Bajcetic, with three potential landing spots emerging as the club prepares to make a key decision on his immediate future.
Bajcetic recently underwent surgery to address an injury sustained at the end of the 2024/25 season. The 20-year-old Spaniard featured in 33 matches on loan at Las Palmas last term but missed the final two fixtures due to a hamstring issue.
He began the campaign on loan at RB Salzburg but struggled to secure regular minutes. A switch to Spain in January proved more fruitful, with Bajcetic playing a key role in the team despite its eventual relegation from La Liga.
Real Betis, Valencia, and Rayo Vallecano have all said to have expressed interest in Bajcetic, but it is not clear whether it would be a permanent move or another season on loan.
While his future under Liverpool head coach Arne Slot remains uncertain, the midfielder was expected to be assessed during pre-season alongside several other young talents.
But it remains to be seen how much of a preseason the Spaniard will have.
Bajcetic, who has two years left on his current contract, was once viewed as a rising star at Anfield. After joining from Celta Vigo in 2020, the Spanish youth international quickly rose through the ranks and made an impression under Jurgen Klopp.
He enjoyed a breakthrough spell during the 2022/23 season, notably featuring in eight consecutive Premier League matches between January and March.
To date, he has made 22 appearances for Liverpool and scored once — a composed finish in a 3-1 win over Aston Villa on Boxing Day 2022.
While the exact stage of his recovery remains uncertain, Bajcetic is unlikely to play a significant role this summer, which is an unfortunate setback in his bid to re-establish himself at Liverpool.
With Wataru Endo the only natural holding midfielder in the squad and having played only a limited role under Slot so far, there has been speculation that Bajcetic could step into his place should the Japan captain depart in the coming weeks.
That now seems unlikely.
A return to La Liga is seen as an appealing option for the Spain U21 international, who would benefit from consistent top-flight minutes in his home country. Ultimately, Liverpool’s decision will depend on whether Bajcetic is expected to feature regularly in the upcoming season, or if a move elsewhere would offer the developmental platform he needs to progress further.
Liverpool.com says: Stefan Bajcetic clearly has the talent to thrive at Liverpool, but injuries and fierce midfield competition have stalled his momentum. With Arne Slot reshaping the squad and limited opportunities in a stacked midfield, a loan—ideally in La Liga—could be the best route for his continued development
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