Andoni Iraola has slammed the brakes on a potential Liverpool exit

Andoni Iraola has slammed the brakes on a potential Liverpool exit

Stefan Bajcetic facing pivotal Liverpool summer as Andoni Iraola assesses pre-season future

Stefan Bajcetic has reached an important point in his Liverpool career, with pre-season now set to shape whether he remains part of the club’s plans or moves on before the window closes. According to Matteo Moretto for Marca, the 21-year-old has support from the new head coach and a genuine chance to re-establish himself at Anfield.

Bajcetic was long viewed internally as one of Liverpool’s standout young midfield prospects after arriving from Celta Vigo in 2020 and breaking into senior football two years later. Since then, injuries have had a major say in his trajectory. Setbacks across multiple seasons, followed by hamstring surgery in April 2025, meant he missed the whole of the 2025/26 campaign and left his development stalled at a crucial age.

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Bajcetic future tied to Liverpool pre-season

That context matters now. Bajcetic is back in training and, with Andoni Iraola beginning his work at Liverpool, there is a clean slate of sorts for several players on the fringes. Moretto reported that “Iraola likes him a lot.” He added, “Iraola wants to keep him for now; he wants to see him during pre-season,” before outlining the likely split in outcomes. “If he stays, he’ll renew his contract with Liverpool. If not, he’ll look for another club. He wants to return to Spain.”

The contract position sharpens the issue. Bajcetic is entering the final year of his deal, so Liverpool will need clarity sooner rather than later. If the coaching staff are convinced by his fitness and level, an extension would make obvious sense. If doubts remain, the club may have to consider a sale while there is still some value to protect.

Transfer value complicated by injury record

Any Liverpool exit, however, is far from straightforward. Bajcetic has played only 36 senior matches across the last three seasons, with loan periods at Salzburg and Las Palmas offering flashes of quality but little continuity. His latest spell in Spain again suggested he could handle regular first-team football, only for another hamstring problem to interrupt momentum.

That leaves Liverpool in an awkward market position. His ceiling remains attractive, his profile as a technical defensive midfielder still appeals, and age is on his side. Yet prolonged fitness issues and limited recent availability naturally suppress transfer interest and fee levels. In practical terms, the club may conclude that keeping him through this summer is more sensible than accepting a modest bid that fails to reflect his talent.

Our View

From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, this feels like the right time to be patient with Bajcetic rather than force a quick decision. There was a point when he looked like he could become a serious first-team midfielder for years, and that quality has not simply disappeared because injuries got in the way. If Iraola genuinely rates him, then a proper look in pre-season is exactly what should happen.

It is also easy to see why fans would be encouraged by the idea of a contract renewal if things go well. Liverpool do not need to rush into selling talented young players when their value is at its lowest, especially one who has already shown composure, tactical intelligence and technical ability at senior level. A fit Bajcetic gives the squad something different in midfield.

Of course, everyone will understand there are risks. His injury history is significant, and Liverpool cannot build plans around sentiment. But if he comes through the summer strongly, there is a real opportunity here. For supporters, the most pleasing outcome would be simple, Bajcetic stays, proves he can handle the physical demands again, and reminds people why he was rated so highly in the first place.

Source: Matteo Moretto for Marca