Liverpool can use Bajcetic as bait for DREAM £50m midfield transfer

Liverpool have got their eye on several midfielders as the January transfer window closes in.

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Although it’s unlikely that sporting director Richard Hughes makes a move this winter it’s probable that the Reds add a new player to that sector in summer.

Martin Zubimendi was the top target in 2024 but opted against a transfer to Merseyside. And then Anfield Watch brought you news of other names in the frame which featured on Liverpool’s recruitment shortlist.

Chief among them were Samuele Ricci of Torino and Nico Gonzalez from FC Porto. Ricci, 23, has since signed a new Torino contract which puts his asking price up but there could well be an opportunity to get a deal done for Gonzalez.

The Spaniard’s former club, Barcelona, do not intend to exercise their buyback clause meaning Liverpool could have a clear run at the 23-year-old midfielder.

To do so, FSG and Hughes will have to fork out €60 million (£50m) on Gonzalez’s release clause or else come up with a suitably attractive package to entice them into selling.

Bajcetic out, Nico Gonzalez in?

It’s been a season to forget for Porto, who are six points adrift of Sporting at the top of the Portuguese league table in third place.

They are yet to win a league game in 2025 and recently appointed Argentine coach Martin Anselmi in an attempt to steady the ship.

And in order to right the wrongs of the season so far, it is reported the Portuguese giants have got their eye on a Liverpool star this January.

On-loan Stefan Bajcetic has been widely tipped to LEAVE Red Bull Salzburg before the transfer window closes in order to take up another loan spell for the second half of the season.

LaLiga sides Real Betis, Celta Vigo, Getafe and Real Valladolid have all been linked with the Spain under-21 international’s signature in recent weeks with Canary Islands side Las Palmas now reckoned to be his most likely destination.

However, Porto are reported by Relevo to have launched an 11th-hour bid to land the 20-year-old before the transfer deadline. And if Liverpool are to agree to send him there then surely there are favourable terms to be worked out for Gonzalez.

He’s scored five goals and given four assists in 17 Liga Portugal matches this season and would provide ample competition going forward for Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.

The exact mechanics of this deal are yet to be worked out but Liverpool have got something Porto want in the shape of Bajcetic and they should use it wisely in any potential talks over Gonzalez.

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