RB Salzburg are in advanced negotiations with Liverpool to secure the loan signing of midfielder Stefan Bajcetic.
The 19-year-old is unlikely to get the playing time he desires this season.
Arne Slot seems to favour Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, and Ryan Gravenberch as his preferred midfield trio.
Highly rated by the Dutch manager and seen as a potential future key player in the defensive midfield role, it’s understandable why the new Liverpool boss would want Bajcetic to continue his development, even if it means spending the season away from Anfield.
According to a recent report from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are working on a deal that could see Bajcetic reunite with former assistant manager and current RB Salzburg head coach, Pep Lijnders.
However, RB Salzburg isn’t the only club interested in Liverpool’s youngster.
Multiple La Liga clubs are also keen, but Lijnders’ connections and influence are expected to play a crucial role in the decision, making a move to the Red Bull Arena seem likely.
Romano posted on X: “RB Salzburg in advanced talks to sign Stefan Bajčetić on loan from Liverpool.
“Negotiations at final stages with details to be clarified but already underway, as Pep Lijnders wants Stefan.
“Clubs in Spain also wanted him but RB Salzburg are now close.”
Stefan Bajcetic made a significant impact at Liverpool during an impressive breakthrough season in 2022-23.
Bajcetic, a Spain U18 international with Serbian heritage through his father, joined Liverpool from Celta Vigo in February 2021.
Versatile in his play, he is capable of operating both in central midfield and defence.
His ascent through the ranks at Liverpool was swift.
He began with the U18s as a U16 player in the 2020-21 season and made his senior debut at just 17 years old in August 2022.
Throughout the 2022-23 season, Bajcetic appeared 19 times for the senior team in midfield.
However, in March 2023, he sustained an injury that he announced would keep him out for the remainder of the campaign.
Since being promoted to Liverpool’s first team two years ago, Stefan Bajcetic, who has three years remaining on his contract, has appeared in 22 games across all competitions.
His only goal came against Aston Villa in the Premier League on Boxing Day during the 2022-23 season.
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