Liverpool’s Midfielder Linked with Celtic Move Ahead of UEFA Deadline | OneFootball

Celtic Circle Stefan Bajcetic Loan Amid Transfer Deadline Rush

Rodgers Eyes Reinforcements as Time Ticks Down

As Celtic gear up for the start of their Premiership campaign, the urgency surrounding Brendan Rodgers’ transfer activity has accelerated. With Champions League qualifiers looming and the domestic curtain-raiser against St Mirren days away, the Northern Irishman is pushing hard to finalise deals. One name on the radar, according to The Daily Record, is Liverpool’s Stefan Bajcetic.

At just 20, the Spanish midfielder is no stranger to loan spells, having spent last season with Red Bull Salzburg and Las Palmas. He is now back at Anfield but appears surplus to immediate requirements under Arne Slot. With Liverpool reportedly making him available, Celtic have shown interest, and “initial contact” has already been made.

Game Time Crucial for Development

Bajcetic’s situation echoes that of last summer. Liverpool manager Arne Slot made his position clear: “I think he could become a very important player for us, but only if he gets playing time.”

That message was reinforced further. “If you are that young the only thing you need is playing time. We think it’s best for him to play at the moment, instead of maybe playing a few times and then being on the bench for a long time again.”

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“Again, this club has been smart, in my opinion, for not only looking for the short term but also the long term.”

Midfield Priority in Celtic’s Transfer Plan

According to Record Sport, a midfielder remains one of Brendan Rodgers’ top priorities, alongside a winger and a striker. Given Bajcetic’s profile and Liverpool’s openness to a loan, a move north of the border seems logical. Celtic are aware that UEFA registration deadlines loom large, with just until midnight on August 14 to register players for the play-off round. Two further additions can be made up until the eve of the first leg on August 19 or 20.

Slot’s Calculated Approach Matches Celtic’s Needs

Liverpool’s measured stance on Bajcetic aligns with Rodgers’ own comments about the need for reinforcements before the season kicks off. A temporary move would allow the midfielder crucial minutes at a club chasing domestic and European silverware.

In a window often defined by panic, this potential move offers calm logic. Bajcetic needs to play. Celtic need midfield depth. With the pieces in place, it could be a rare win-win.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This feels like the right deal at the right time. Bajcetic is an exceptional talent with huge upside but after his injuries and limited exposure last season, what he really needs now is rhythm and confidence. You don’t get that from ten-minute cameos off the bench or being third-choice at Anfield.

Sending him to Celtic, where he would likely start regularly, makes all the sense in the world. Rodgers has experience nurturing young players and Celtic play a dominant brand of football that would suit Bajcetic’s composure and ability on the ball.

The key here is timing. Liverpool are building under Arne Slot and cannot offer development minutes to everyone. But keeping Bajcetic match-sharp in a competitive environment, particularly one where there’s the added spice of Champions League qualifiers, would be invaluable.

Hopefully, this won’t be goodbye, but a crucial stepping stone. If he returns in 2026 ready to push for a place, the loan will have served its purpose. For now, let the lad play and grow. We’ll be watching from afar with pride and expectation.