Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic has moved to Austrian Bundesliga club Red Bull Salzburg on a season-long loan, Soccernet.football reports.
Bajcetic earned his breakthrough into the Reds’ senior squad during the 2022/23 season, but several serious injuries have hindered his progress over the past couple of years.
Although the young Spaniard impressed during Jurgen Klopp’s tenure, new head coach Arne Slot has opted for a midfield trio of Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, and Dominik Szoboszlai in the first two games of the new Premier League season.
Barcelona had attempted to sign Bajcetic after youngster Marc Bernal suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury, with additional injuries to Gavi and Frenkie de Jong leaving them short in midfield.
However, Salzburg have now confirmed the deal, meaning Bajcetic will leave Anfield on loan for the first time since joining from Celta Vigo in 2020. He will reunite with former Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders, who took over as Salzburg’s head coach earlier this summer.
Speaking on his loan move, the midfielder said: “I am really happy to be playing for FC Red Bull Salzburg. My aim is to help us celebrate lots of successes together.
“I would like to win the league and impress in the Champions League too with my new team.
“An important reason for my move is that Salzburg have focused on developing young players for many years – it’s a club with lots of potential. Pep Lijnders, who I know from Liverpool and value, is the perfect coach for that. I am looking forward to it all.”
Meanwhile, Salzburg sporting director Bernhard Seonbuchner also gave his take on the signing; “We are very pleased about this transfer, also because there were many clubs who wanted him.
“It shows how valued we are when it comes to developing talent. Stefan is a very intelligent player and can be deployed in lots of different positions. I am certain he will help us and that we will also be good for his development.”