According to an update from journalist Graeme Bailey, Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic is keen on ending his loan spell at RB Salzburg early.
The Spaniard was sent out on loan last summer after enduring an injury-plagued campaign, in order to enjoy regular football again.
With Arne Slot having plenty of great options to call upon in the middle of the park, it was a decision that made complete sense, especially with Pep Lijnders managing Salzburg.
Things haven’t gone to plan for Bajcetic at the Austrian club, however, with a lack of minutes coming his way and Lijnders relieved of his duties last month. He has made just six starts in the Austrian Bundesliga, summing up his struggles.
According to Bailey for Rousing The Kop, Liverpool are now “in talks” with the 20-year-old about prematurely ending his temporary stint at Salzburg, and the player is pushing for it to happen.
The Reds have “informed” Bajcetic that he “would not be promised game time if he returns to his parent club”, but they won’t force him to stay put “if he makes it clear that he wants to cut short his stay.”
Our thoughts on Bajcetic returning to Liverpool…
At one point, Bajcetic looked like a future starter for Liverpool, having been one of the few positives back in 2022/23, but his injury problems have hampered him badly.
If he wants to return to Anfield this month, it doesn’t look like the club will stand in his way, but it is hard to see him featuring regularly.
Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister are the guaranteed starters in the two deeper-lying midfield roles, while Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones are great options to have further up the pitch.
Harvey Elliott is also back fit again and Wataru Endo brings great experience, so Bajcetic will have his work cut out.
It is pointless him staying at Salzburg if he isn’t happy, however, and returning to Liverpool and training under Arne Slot could ultimately be best for his development.
At 20, it would be ridiculous to write Bajcetic off, but he has a huge amount of work to do to become a big part of Slot’s plans moving forward.
