Stefan Bajcetic was once regarded as one of Liverpool’s brightest academy prospects after joining from Celta Vigo in 2020 and making his senior debut two years later.
However, his progress has been repeatedly disrupted by injuries, with serious setbacks in 2022 and 2023 followed by hamstring surgery in April 2025 that ruled him out for the entire 2025/26 season.
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Liverpool have remained patient with the Spain youth international, recognising the technical ability that made him one of the club’s most promising young players.
Now back in training ahead of pre-season, Stefan Bajcetic has the chance to prove his fitness and secure his future under new manager Andoni Iraola, who reportedly admires the midfielder.
The 21-year-old is entering the final year of his contract, but his return could provide him with a fresh opportunity at Anfield, with journalist Matteo Moretto telling MARCA that “Iraola likes him a lot.”
“Iraola wants to keep him for now; he wants to see him during pre-season,” he explained. “If he stays, he’ll renew his contract with Liverpool. If not, he’ll look for another club. He wants to return to Spain.”
Bajcetic has attracted interest from several La Liga clubs, with Sevilla, Rayo Vallecano, Getafe and Elche all reportedly monitoring his situation.
However, if the Spain defensive midfielder were to depart, Liverpool are unlikely to command a significant transfer fee given his lack of first-team football for more than two years and his ongoing fitness struggles.
After his breakthrough 2022/23 campaign, Bajcetic has made just 36 senior appearances over three seasons, including loan spells at Salzburg and Las Palmas.
His time in Spain showed his ability to perform as a regular first-team player, but his spell was cut short by another hamstring injury that required surgery.
Andoni Iraola’s arrival has given the Liverpool squad a fresh start, providing Bajcetic with an opportunity to prove himself during pre-season.
With his injury history and contract situation, the midfielder’s market value is unlikely to match his potential, making a sale difficult this summer.
If Bajcetic can rediscover the form he showed before his setbacks, Liverpool could decide that keeping him and extending his contract is a better option than cashing in.