Injury doubts cloud Liverpool's midfield target Stefan Bajcetic

Liverpool’s prospective signing of midfielder Stefan Bajcetic has slipped into doubt after an injury update revealed he is still not fit to train with the first team. The club’s summer midfield overhaul now faces a major obstacle as the 21‑year‑old’s recovery lags behind expectations.

Liverpool have been keen to revamp their midfield this summer, targeting players such as Adam Wharton, Kaishu Sano and Ayyoub Bouaddi while also seeing Bajcetic as a low‑cost option with upside. Bajcetic, who joined Liverpool from Celta Vigo in 2020, was once hailed as a smart long‑term recruitment after breaking through under Jürgen Klopp. The setback complicates Liverpool’s midfield transfer plans.

However, his progress has been hampered by injuries and loan spells at Red Bull Salzburg and Las Palmas, leaving him without a first‑team appearance for more than two years. At 21 he is not an established regular and his fitness is still below the required level.

Andoni Iraola confirmed the status, saying: “Then we have Stefan that is doing slowly, slowly better but is still not ready to train with us.” The manager’s update clearly changes the market perception of the player.

Spanish clubs such as Sevilla, Getafe and Rayo Vallecano had shown interest, viewing him as a low‑fee gamble, but the lack of match sharpness makes a deal unlikely before the window closes. A loan would also be difficult unless Liverpool secure his contract position.

If his recovery drags towards 1 September, Liverpool may be forced to keep him for the season, either offering a new contract to protect value or risking his value eroding as his deal runs to 2027. Andoni Iraola has inherited a squad that needs sorting after a poor 2025‑26 campaign. The club’s broader midfield rebuild hinges on sales such as Curtis Jones, who could fetch around €40 million, and Harvey Elliott, whose contract situation also influences the budget.

For Liverpool, the injured midfielder remains an immobile asset, complicating their transfer plans and highlighting the need for clear exits before arrivals. For Bajcetic, the injury update means he must regain full fitness to attract concrete offers, otherwise he may linger at Anfield with limited prospects.