Incoming Liverpool manager Arne Slot has some big decisions to make this summer.
Slot has largely been played an excellent hand in taking over from Jurgen Klopp. The outgoing boss has left the Dutchman with some brilliant players.
But although Liverpool’s first-team squad is generally in good shape, some areas can still be upgraded.
One of the key positions where attention may be needed is in defensive midfield. Slot may unfortunately need a better player than Wataru Endo if the Reds are to go the distance next season.
Liverpool do have others who can fill in to play a deeper-lying role. But according to reports on Thursday, they may be looking to send one of them out on-loan.
Liverpool could loan Stefan Bajcetic
In terms of the No.6 role, Liverpool have been linked to players such as Porto’s Alan Varela ahead of next season. Former target Manuel Ugarte also looks like he could be available once again and might be one to keep an eye on.
However, maybe they don’t need an addition at all. Liverpool fans would do well to remember that young Stefan Bajcetic is still kicking about. Having had his year ruined by injury, Bajcetic returned to the pitch against Tottenham recently.
That signalled the end of a long road to recovery for the 19-year-old, who has now made just three appearances since March 2023.
According to Spanish outlet SPORT, Bajcetic’s return came much later than planned. They claim that the youngster’s ‘entourage’ had expected him to be back at the start of 2024. Subsequent setbacks have reportedly meant Bajcetic has had to go on a special diet as well as adapt his training.
Through it all, Klopp is claimed to have given his backing to the Spaniard. Bajcetic is said to have had ‘all the support in the world’ from the club. Nevertheless, there’s still the suggestion that the former Celta Vigo prospect may need to leave this summer.
It wouldn’t be a permanent move, of course. But it’s reportedly ‘normal’ that Bajcetic may head out on-loan to get minutes following his injury trouble. This decision is said to lay with the new manager – Slot – who it’s claimed will assess Bajcetic in pre-season before deciding what to do.
Should Liverpool loan Stefan Bajcetic out
This is a bit of a tricky one. In our opinion – and seemingly that of Liverpool too – Bajcetic can be the long-term answer for the Reds in defensive midfield. As Klopp has previously said, he’s a ‘super talented’ young man.
However, it’s also true that the Spain U21 international has barely played for more than a year. Is he going to be ready to play a big part next season?
If there are any doubts about that then Liverpool have to act in the market. Endo isn’t getting any younger while Alexis Mac Allister should be used exclusively further up the pitch.
Should a new man be brought in, there would be sense in keeping Bajcetic about anyway. But it might also be prudent to continue his development in a team where he’s starting every week.
Let’s see how Stefan fares in pre-season and if he features in Slot’s immediate plans.