Following a breakout season for young Stefan Bajcetic in 2022-23 that saw the Spanish defensive midfielder make 19 total appearances and instal himself as the latest in a long list of starlets fans then convinced themselves would be a nailed-on starter for the next decade, things haven’t gone quite to plan.
First, an adductor injury almost entirely wiped out the following season for the youngster. Next came an underwhelming loan spell at RB Salzburg to start 2024-25. Finally, a move to Las Palmas
for the second half of last season seemed as though it might be just what was needed to get Bajcetic back on track.
His pre-season this summer back with Liverpool, though, didn’t see him in the mix for manager Arne Slot, leading most to assume another loan was on the cards. Spanish sides including Valencia, Real Betis, and Girona were all linked. In the end, though, it appears as though he will be kept at Liverpool.
That’s the latest from The Times’ Paul Joyce, who says Slot and the Liverpool coaching staff have been keeping a close eye on Bajcetic this summer and believe that keeping him around to train with the first team—and likely see action in the domestic cups, at least to start—is what’s best for his continuing development.
Long-term, if Bajcetic can get back to where he was two seasons ago and then hopefully kick on, the 20-year-old remains a highly talented young player, and there could be minutes for the defensive midfielder if he can convince Slot he’s a better deputy than Wataru Endo for key starter Ryan Gravenberch.
