While most of the Liverpool squad are either at the World Cup or enjoying an end-of-season holiday, Stefan Bajcetic is treading a different path. It has been a nightmare period for the Spanish midfielder, and his inactivity over the last two years has made him the forgotten man at Anfield.
His last outing came under Jurgen Klopp in a late cameo during a 4-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur in May 2024. His most recent start was nearly three years ago in a 3-1 Europa League win over LASK in Austria, where he started at right-back and was substituted after an hour. Bajcetic hasn't started a Premier League game since March 2023, when he was forced off in a 1-0 defeat against Bournemouth just as his Reds career was taking flight.
The former Celta Vigo teenager benefited from a drop-off in Klopp's midfield during the 2022/23 season, impressing in big games like the Merseyside derby and away at Newcastle United. His press-resistance and ball-playing qualities at the base of midfield shone, making him look like a long-term prospect. However, an adductor tear at the Vitality Stadium has been debilitating. That game was his 19th for Liverpool, and his tally now stands at just 22 appearances over three years.
Loan spells with Red Bull Salzburg and Las Palmas brought mixed results. Bajcetic made 19 appearances for Salzburg but moved back to Spain after Pep Lijnders was sacked. He has been working quietly at the AXA Training Centre to overcome his injury issues.
Arne Slot spoke highly of Bajcetic before his loan move, saying: “I hope it will be a big year for him because he’s a very talented player. He’s been out for 15 months, and I think he could become a very important player for us if he gets playing time. For him and us, it’s best for him to play at the moment instead of being on the bench. This is for the long term. The club has been smart in the past, not only for the short term but also the long term. It’s a smart decision to let him go somewhere where he will hopefully play a lot of games. Then for next season, we’ll have a player who, if he fulfils his potential, could definitely play for us in the future.”
Still just 21, Bajcetic was seen back on the grass over the weekend, cutting short his summer break to get ahead on pre-season training. With Andoni Iraola stating that all squad members are like new signings, and the World Cup depriving the new head coach of key players for the US tour, opportunity may be knocking for Bajcetic. “Back on track,” he posted alongside images of his training. A strong showing this summer could see him re-establish himself at Liverpool.
