Report: Liverpool could be ready to sell talented midfielder | OneFootball

Bajcetic Facing Defining Moment as Liverpool Weigh Midfield Decisions

Liverpool have built a reputation for patience with young players, but that patience has limits. As the club approaches another crucial transfer window, one of its most intriguing academy success stories now finds himself at a crossroads. Stefan Bajcetic, once viewed internally as a cornerstone of the next midfield cycle, is entering a period that could determine whether his long-term future truly lies at Anfield.

At just 21, Bajcetic’s situation is complex rather than terminal. Liverpool still value his technical profile and game intelligence, yet football at elite level is unforgiving. Availability matters as much as potential, and that reality is shaping conversations behind the scenes as the recruitment department plans for both January and the summer.

Bajcetic development shaped by interrupted progress

Bajcetic’s rise initially felt seamless. After arriving from Celta Vigo’s academy, he progressed rapidly through Liverpool’s youth ranks and into senior contention. Coaches were struck by his calmness in possession, ability to receive under pressure and positional awareness well beyond his years. Comparisons to elite technical midfielders were not made lightly.

However, momentum has been repeatedly disrupted. Since breaking into senior football, Bajcetic has endured a catalogue of injuries that have limited his exposure at first-team level. Extended absences across multiple seasons have restricted him to fewer than 1,000 senior minutes for Liverpool, a figure that underlines how little sustained rhythm he has been able to establish.

Loan spells were designed to change that picture. Time away from Merseyside offered competitive football and a chance to rebuild confidence, but physical setbacks have continued to intervene. While Liverpool’s medical staff remain confident in his long-term recovery, the club’s sporting structure cannot plan purely on optimism.

Liverpool midfield competition intensifies under Slot

The context around Bajcetic has shifted significantly since Arne Slot’s arrival. Liverpool’s midfield rebuild has accelerated, with greater emphasis on physical reliability, tactical discipline and adaptability within a more structured system. The bar to earn minutes has risen accordingly.

Within that framework, Bajcetic is admired for his technical security and ability to control tempo from deeper areas. He has been earmarked in the past as a potential long-term successor in holding midfield roles, capable of balancing defensive responsibility with progressive passing. Yet competition is fierce, and Liverpool’s squad planning is increasingly ruthless.

Slot has shown a willingness to trust young players, but only when availability and consistency align. Pre-season provided brief encouragement, with Bajcetic showing sharpness and positional intelligence. Unfortunately, another significant injury halted that progress before it could translate into meaningful competitive involvement.

Contract timeline adds pressure to decision-making

One unavoidable factor is contract timing. Bajcetic is tied to Liverpool until 2027, a length that offers security but also creates urgency. From the club’s perspective, allowing a highly rated asset to drift towards the final years of his deal without clarity would represent poor planning.

Liverpool typically prefer decisive action. If a player is viewed as part of the medium-term core, extension talks begin early. If doubts persist, the club explores loan solutions or permanent exits while value remains intact. In Bajcetic’s case, the coming months are likely to define which route is chosen.

There is no sense of panic, but there is realism. Liverpool must assess whether his injury record can stabilise enough to justify continued investment of squad space and development resources. Equally, Bajcetic will want clarity on his pathway, knowing that regular football at this stage of his career is essential.

Sale not inevitable but risk increasingly real

It is important to stress that a sale is not inevitable. Liverpool still believe Bajcetic has qualities that are difficult to coach: composure, spatial awareness and technical bravery. Those attributes explain why he has been retained through multiple setbacks rather than quietly moved on.

Yet football operates on timelines, not sentiment. With midfield options evolving and squad planning intensifying, Bajcetic is now under genuine pressure to demonstrate durability as well as talent. January may offer insight into Liverpool’s thinking, whether through renewed faith, another loan or exploratory market interest.

For now, Bajcetic remains a Liverpool player with unfinished business. Whether that story reaches its conclusion at Anfield will depend less on what he can do with the ball, and more on whether his body finally allows him to do it consistently.