Barcelona are attempting to “hijack” RB Salzburg’s move for Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic this summer, according to a fresh claim from journalist James Pearce.
Bajcetic burst onto the scene during the 2022/23 season, proving to be one of the few bright sparks in a disappointing campaign for the Reds – a well-taken goal away to Aston Villa was a standout moment – but his progress has been stunted since.
Unfortunately, the Spaniard has been blighted by injuries that meant he barely even featured last term, with only 26 minutes of Premier League action coming his way in the campaign.
Bajcetic is now back fit again, but in terms of his development and getting more playing time under his belt, it looks increasingly like he could head off on loan before deadline day ends on Friday evening.
According to The Athletic‘s Pearce on X, Barca want to snap up the midfielder in place of Pep Lijnders’ Salzburg, on the same day that Liverpool closed in on the signing of Federico Chiesa from Juventus:
“Barcelona trying to hijack Salzburg’s signing of Stefan Bajcetic on a season-long loan. Salzburg still hopeful that they will get the deal done. Marseille were among clubs keen but now between Barca/Salzburg. Tyler Morton now expected to stay at LFC.”
Our thoughts on Bajcetic leaving on loan this summer…
The lure of Barca could be great for Bajcetic, given their reputation as one of world football’s greatest and most famous club sides, but a move to Salzburg could still be the more sensible option.
The 19-year-old knows Lijnders so well from his time at Liverpool working as Jurgen Klopp’s assistant, and his style of play may be a better fit because he knows what his former colleague demands of his players.
While some Reds supporters may not be happy about Bajcetic leaving on loan, given the lack of a No.6 signing in the summer transfer window, if Arne Slot thinks a temporary switch is best for development, he needs to be trusted.
Hopefully, the Liverpool ace will enjoy a productive 2024/25 season out on loan, before returning a fitter and more mature footballer than before.
