Liverpool’s dilemma with Stefan Bajcetic’s future
Stefan Bajcetic’s career at Liverpool has been marked by both promise and misfortune, with injuries hampering his ability to establish himself in the first team. Despite a breakthrough year in 2022, the 21-year-old midfielder has found it difficult to maintain consistency, leading many to question his future at Anfield.
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Bajcetic’s Liverpool career suffers setback
After an eye-catching breakthrough under former manager Jurgen Klopp, Bajcetic appears to have the potential to become a mainstay in Liverpool’s midfield. However, a series of injuries prevented him from building on his early success. In order to regain his form and health, the Spaniard was loaned to Red Bull Salzburg last season. Unfortunately, his form in Austria was far from ideal and Bajcetic returned to Liverpool a few months later in January.
Photo: IMAGO
His second loan spell at Las Palmas in Spain’s La Liga showed more promise. Bajcetic put in a stellar performance for the Canaries, although his efforts failed to save the club from relegation. With him expected to make a full recovery in the off-season, the hope is that he can find his place in the Liverpool squad. However, these hopes appear to be fading.
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Arne Slot lacks confidence in Bajcetic
Arne Slaughter, who takes over as Liverpool manager in the summer of 2024, has made it clear that he does not consider Bajsetic to be part of his future plans. Trusted Liverpool journalist David Lynch shared his thoughts with The Anfield Index, suggesting the midfielder’s days at Anfield are numbered.
“Honestly, I’d forget about it now,” Lynch said of the prospect of Bajsetic re-entering the first team. “I don’t think he will, certainly under this coach. The injuries cost him a lot of football opportunities at a very important time in his career.”
Leave the card permanently?
It appears Liverpool have made a decision regarding Bajcetic’s future, and unfortunately for the young Spaniard, that may not include a return to the first-team. Despite optimism about his fitness, the club’s long-term plans no longer appear to feature Bajcetic. Lynch pointed out that if the right offer comes, the midfielder could be loaned out again or leave permanently.
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As Liverpool prepare for the January transfer window, Bajcetic’s situation will be worth keeping a close eye on. While a summer loan move to clubs such as Valencia or Celta Vigo failed to materialise, his continued recovery could spark fresh interest in the coming months.
Bajcetic returns to training
Recent reports indicate that Bajcetic has returned to training at Liverpool’s AXA Training Center with a focus on returning to match fitness. The midfielder’s ability to return to fitness will be crucial in determining his next move, whether at Liverpool or elsewhere.
With the January transfer window quickly approaching, Liverpool and Arne Slott will need to decide whether Bajšetic has a future at the club, or if his time at Anfield is finally coming to an end.