Liverpool need to focus on several areas of the squad this summer.
Virgil van Dijk is yet to sign a new contract – with his terms expiring this summer – so Liverpool are looking at Marc Guehi as a potential replacement.
Arne Slot is also eyeing Jeremie Frimpong for the right-back department, with Trent Alexander-Arnold expected to join Real Madrid when his Liverpool contract expires this summer too.
Furthermore, the Dutchman already needed a new No.6 to operate at the base of midfield – hence last summer’s push to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.
Ryan Gravenberch has done an outstanding job in that area since the Spaniard opted to stay in San Sebastien, but depth is needed.
However, a solution could be right under Slot’s nose in the form of Stefan Bajcetic.
Stefan Bajcetic earning Sergio Busquets comparisons at Las Palmas
The 20-year-old has experienced a mixed 2024/25 campaign away from Anfield, enduring a tough loan spell with RB Salzburg which was terminated prematurely in January, before eventually being sent to Las Palmas.
Bajcetic – who Jurgen Klopp loved – fortunately seems to suit Spanish football much better.
Manuel Garcia – a local journalist for Las Palmas – tells the Daily Mail: “He reminds me of Sergio Busquets, because of how he drives the ball and how he moves around the field.”
Bajcetic, who has also impressed in defence, has only made seven appearances in La Liga so far – scoring one goal – so it speaks volumes that the Spaniard is already receiving comparisons to one of the greatest midfielders of his generation.
Arne Slot rates Stefan Bajcetic
Despite loaning Bajcetic out this season, Slot does seem to rate the Vigo-born wonderkid.
The spacial awareness of his surroundings, and the way he already has his next move planned, here from Stefan Bajcetic is very rare for someone his age. That turn on one touch is a highly technical – and difficult – action, too. What a talent.pic.twitter.com/s3Y2S9eijN
— Maxi (@MaaxiAngelo) February 18, 2023
Upon sending him to RB Salzburg in August, the Dutchman said: “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.
“It’s a smart decision, at least in our opinion, to let him go somewhere, where he will hopefully play a lot of games. Then for next season, we’ll have a player. If he fulfils his potential, he could definitely, definitely play for us in the future.”
Arsenal look set to sign Zubimendi when the season ends, so instead of spending millions on another midfielder to compete against Gravenberch, Bajcetic could be entrusted to challenge the Netherlands international.
