Liverpool star's future now in doubt after Arne Slot concerns

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot made the decision to loan out several stars at the start of the season.

Out went Lewis Koumas, Ben Doak and Calum Scanlon - among others - in order to build rhythm and establish themselves at first-team level.

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There was surprise when Stefan Bajcetic ended up among the summer loan departures particularly with the Spain under-21 international finally back to full fitness.

Red Bull Salzburg won the race for Bajcetic’s signature, with Barcelona frustrated in their attempts to bring the midfielder to the club.

But with Liverpool looking somewhat short in central midfield, where Ryan Gravenberch has established himself as the senior member, there was speculation that Bajcetic could play a first-team role instead.

Given Tyler Morton has barely got a look in despite remaining with the first-team squad, it was perhaps for the best that Bajcetic got a spell away from the club.

Bajcetic not 'suited' to Arne Slot

Things haven’t exactly worked out for Bajcetic so far though with Salzburg’s poor form before Christmas costing Pep Lijnders his coaching job.

It’s been an indifferent spell for the 20-year-old too, who has started only one of seven Champions League group phase matches so far and only six times in total in the league.

Earlier in January it was reported that Bajcetic could be on the move to Spain with Real Betis credited with interest and the possibility floated of his loan spell in the Austrian Bundesliga being curtailed.

He has however remained with the club for the second half of the season although his Liverpool future under Slot could now be in doubt. It’s been revealed in a report in the Athletic that the club are not yet totally convinced that Bajcetic has got what it takes to excel under the Dutchman.

“The midfielder is viewed by some at the club as more of a player suited to a Klopp team than one managed by new head coach Arne Slot at present, meaning further development was necessary,” the report states.

Where that leaves Bajcetic’s future remains to be seen. He’s got a Liverpool contract until 2027 but was recently suggested as a makeweight in a Reds move for Betis’s Johnny Cardoso.

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