Stefan Bajcetic has been touted with a summer move to Middlesbrough to replace Everton-bound midfielder Hayden Hackney – but is the interest genuine?
Bajcetic is nearing a return from a long-term layoff and could be involved when Liverpool return for pre-season training later this month.
However it is still a long road ahead for the 21-year-old if he aims to reclaim his place in the first-team squad, having not played for the Reds in over two years.
Now into the final year of his contract, Bajcetic has been touted for a move away from Anfield this summer, with the latest reports linking him with Middlesbrough.
This Is Anfield understands that there is no interest from Middlesbrough in either a loan or permanent deal as it stands.
PITTSBURGH - Friday, July 26, 2024: Liverpool substitute Stefan Bajcetic during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool and Real Betis Balompié at the Acrisure Stadium on day three of the club's pre-season tour of the USA. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
It is of course a situation which could develop and suitors may only emerge when Andoni Iraola makes a decision over Bajcetic’s future – whether short or long term.
But suggestions a move could be in the offing as Everton prepare to sign Hackney in a £25 million deal are wide of the mark.
Bajcetic will report back to the AXA Training Centre for the start of pre-season and that is likely to come with the senior squad, with the Spaniard no longer qualifying as an U21 player.
There is an argument that, provided he remains fit throughout the summer, he should in fact be retained as part of Iraola’s wider squad.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Friday, April 12, 2024: Liverpool's substitute Stefan Bajcetic (R) is challenged by Manchester United's substitute James Scanlon during the Premier League 2 Division 1 match between Manchester United FC Under-21's and Liverpool FC Under-21's at Old Trafford. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
His chances are helped by his homegrown eligibility for the Premier League, with it possible that he occupies one of those valuable slots in the senior side for the 2026/27 campaign.
Five other players are no longer considered U21s and can offer homegrown status: James McConnell, Luke Chambers, Kaide Gordon, Tommy Pilling and Isaac Mabaya.
It is an important consideration but the priority will be ensuring any players made available to Iraola are of sufficient standard for the Premier League and Champions League.
There is unlikely to be a shortage of interest in Bajcetic if he is offered for transfer, with Girona having mulled over an approach in January and Valencia, Real Betis and Rayo Vallecano monitoring him last summer.