Stefan Bajcetic reveals Liverpool transfer option and how 'messy' move came about

Stefan Bajcetic has revealed that he has the option to extend his loan move to Red Bull Salzburg

The 20-year-old joined the Austrian outfit at the end of August and has made 11 appearances for them to date.

Such game time is much-needed for the Spain Under-21s international, having spent over a year sidelined through injury after an eye-catching breakthrough campaign at Anfield in 2022/23.

Arne Slot sanctioned Bajcetic’s temporary departure in order for the midfielder to obtain regular starting football

with it an added bonus that he is working under the watchful eye of former Reds assistant manager Pep Lijnders.

Admittedly Salzburg’s current campaign has not been plain sailing so far, with the Austrian outfit currently fourth in the Bundesliga - 11 points behind league-leaders Sturm Graz

But having joined Salzburg despite rival interest from Barcelona, Bajcetic is very much enjoying being back out on the pitch

with Liverpool keeping in close-contact with the loanee to help ensure he doesn't succumb to further injury.

Bajcetic

“Finding the minutes I was missing. After such a long injury I need to play,”

“I made the decision to go to Salzburg because I thought I would get minutes and I am getting them.

“They (Liverpool) are in contact with me practically every week asking me how I am and physically giving me gym guidelines so I don't relapse.”

Bajcetic is currently away with Spain Under-21s after being handed an international recall and has one eye on next summer’s European Championship in Slovakia as a result.

However, he faces a possible dilemma. Salzburg will compete in next summer’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, taking place between June 15 and July 13,

Bajcetic said

“Being on loan in Salzburg and since Liverpool are not going to the World Cup, I have the option of choosing whether to return to Liverpool or do the World Cup with Salzburg,”

“If I return to Liverpool, I have an option to come to the European Championship and it is something that would make me very excited.

“I missed the last (Olympic) Games and European Championships due to injury. I have never been to a championship like this with the national team, I am looking forward to it.”