Is Stefan Bajčetić The Answer To Liverpool’s DM Prayers Next Season? | OneFootball

By Sam Coles

Stefan Bajčetić joined the Reds back in 2021 from Celta Vigo as a 16-year-old.  He instantly impressed with the under-18s and found himself debuting for the senior team at the ripe age of 17 in August 2022.

Bajčetić spent the first half of the season on loan at RB Salzburg playing under former Liverpool assistant manager, Pep Lijnders, but the Dutchman was let go by the Austrian club in December after a poor start to the season.

Ahead of the 2024/25 season, Arne Slot hinted at Bajčetić’s future involvement at Liverpool saying, “I hope it will be a big year for him because he’s a very talented player and I think he could become a very important player for us, but only if he gets playing time now.”

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Bajčetić was recalled by the Reds in January and sent back on loan to struggling Spanish side UDLas Palmas who currently sit 19th in La Liga and find themselves in an enticing relegation battle.

‘Los Amarillos’ noted that Bajčetić was characterised by ‘his versatility in midfield, good physique, excellent ball-handling and offensive and defensive capabilities.’ (Tinta Amarilla)

Founder of UD Las Palmas UK Fan Zone, Dan Watkins, stated “As a Liverpool fan I was excited by the signing, I don’t feel Las Palmas fans have seen him for the player he is sadly. The performances (of Las Palmas) in general have been poor of late. I’m unsure if Stefan will have enough time to make that much of an impact sadly but his ball skills are evident.”

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Speaking ahead of yesterday’s 1-1 draw against Celta Vigo, manager Claudio Giráldez was full of praise for Stefan Bajčetić, stating that after he coached him in Vigo’s youth system, he maintained “a special affection for him and his family. His father was also my assistant, with whom I maintain a personal friendship. He (Stefan) has a tremendous future.” (Tinta Amarilla)

Bajčetić featured for Spain’s under-21s during the international break, playing the second half in a 2-2 draw with Czechia and starting in a 3-1 loss to Germany. Despite the side not picking up a victory in either game, Bajčetić impressed and has some Liverpool fans wondering if he could be the answer to their long-standing defensive midfielder worries.

Ryan Gravenberch has performed marvellously in that position this season but also has a lot to offer going forward rather than being an out-and-out defensive midfielder. Bajčetic, however, could contest with Gravenberch for the number-one holding midfielder spot next season and save Liverpool a lot of money should they be in the transfer market for a new DM.

His versatility, as noted by Las Palmas upon signing Bajčetić, could also prove important for the Spanish youngster, filling in for injured players across the back line as Joe Gomez has done over the years. Should he continue to impress, there is no doubt Arne Slot will have an eye on Stefan Bajčetić for his future plans at LFC.