In a surprising move, Barcelona has reportedly submitted a loan offer for Liverpool’s promising young midfielder, Stefan Bajcetic.
The 19-year-old, who has yet to feature for Liverpool this season, is being targeted by the Catalan giants as they seek to bolster their midfield following a significant injury to their rising star, Marc Bernal.
Barcelona’s interest in Bajcetic arose quickly after Bernal, who had started all of Barcelona’s La Liga matches this season, suffered a serious knee injury that will sideline him for an extended period. In response, Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, and his team swiftly began searching for suitable midfield reinforcements. This led them to Bajcetic, a player who has been regarded highly within Liverpool’s ranks, despite a challenging previous season marred by injuries
According to reports, Barcelona’s offer is structured as a straight loan deal with a fee of approximately €4 million. Notably, the deal does not include an option to buy, reflecting both clubs’ understanding that Bajcetic is seen as a future asset for Liverpool. This proposal aligns with Liverpool’s current strategy for the young midfielder, who, despite his potential, is likely to see limited first-team opportunities this season due to the fierce competition within Liverpool’s midfield.
Bajcetic, who joined Liverpool’s academy from Celta Vigo in 2020, made his breakthrough into the first team during the 2022/23 season. However, his progress was hampered by injuries, and he has yet to establish himself as a regular starter under Liverpool’s current manager, Arne Slot. With Liverpool looking to strengthen their midfield options further, a loan move could be beneficial for Bajcetic to gain valuable playing time and experience, which he might struggle to secure at Anfield
In addition to Barcelona, Red Bull Salzburg, managed by former Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders, has also expressed interest in acquiring Bajcetic on loan. With multiple clubs vying for his services, the young Spaniard is at a pivotal point in his career, where the decision on his immediate future could significantly influence his development.
- As the transfer window draws to a close, it remains to be seen whether Liverpool will sanction Bajcetic’s loan move to Barcelona or if the midfielder will head elsewhere. However, this unexpected bid from Barcelona underscores the high regard in which Bajcetic is held and highlights Barcelona’s urgency in addressing their midfield needs following Bernal’s injury