Stefan Bajcetic has revealed that his loan move to Red Bull Salzburg includes an option to extend, with Liverpool staying in constant communication with the midfielder during his spell in Austria.
The 20-year-old, who joined the Austrian side at the end of August, has made 11 appearances for Salzburg so far this season.
This playing time is crucial for the Spain Under-21 international, who spent over a year sidelined due to injury after an impressive breakthrough season at Anfield in 2022/23.
Arne Slot approved Bajcetic’s temporary departure to ensure he could regain regular first-team football.
An added bonus for the young midfielder is the opportunity to work under the guidance of Pep Lijnders, Liverpool’s former assistant manager.
Although Salzburg’s current campaign has faced challenges, with the team sitting fourth in the Bundesliga – 11 points behind leaders Sturm Graz – and having lost three of their four Champions League group matches, Stefan Bajcetic is making the most of his time on the pitch.
Despite rival interest from Barcelona, he chose to join Salzburg and is relishing the opportunity to play again.
Liverpool are maintaining regular contact with the loanee to help monitor his progress and ensure he avoids further injury setbacks.
“Finding the minutes I was missing. After such a long injury I need to play,” he told Marca.
“I made the decision to go to Salzburg because I thought I would get minutes and I am getting them.
“They (Liverpool) are in contact with me practically every week asking me how I am and physically giving me gym guidelines so I don’t relapse.”
“Being on loan in Salzburg and since Liverpool are not going to the World Cup, I have the option of choosing whether to return to Liverpool or do the World Cup with Salzburg,” he explained.
“If I return to Liverpool, I have an option to come to the European Championship and it is something that would make me very excited.
“I missed the last (Olympic) Games and European Championships due to injury.
“I have never been to a championship like this with the national team, I am looking forward to it.”
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