Arne Slot has made a decision on what to do with Stefan Bajcetic after missing out on Martin Zubimendi

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Liverpool’s plans for the new season have been rocked after they missed out on signing Martin Zubimendi.

The Reds had identified Zubimendi as being their first choice to add to Arne Slot’s new-look midfield.

However, the Spaniard has decided to stay with Real Sociedad, adding Liverpool to the list of clubs he has turned down in favour of staying in his home city.

While disappointing news for Reds supporters, even more galling is the reported decision that Liverpool will not target an alternative to Zubimendi.

Instead, Slot looks set to go with what he has in the midfield at Anfield. And he has now decided where Stefan Bajcetic fits into that.

Liverpool make Stefan Bajcetic decision

Had Zubimendi been added to the Liverpool squad this summer, the midfield would have started to look a little bloated.

Although they don’t really have a midfielder like the Euro 2024 winner in the team, they do have a good number of others with different profiles.

One of those is Bajcetic, who has enjoyed a full pre-season after missing most of the last 18 months through injury.

The 19-year-old has already proven himself to be an exceptional talent and there are high hopes for Bajcetic at Liverpool.

READ MORE: Stefan Bajcetic gives his honest opinion on Arne Slot’s training sessions

However, it appears that Slot is a little cooler on the Spaniard than his predecessor, Jurgen Klopp.

And despite missing out on Zubimendi – who Bajcetic is perhaps the most similar to in the first-team squad – The Athletic report that the new head coach is happy to send the teenager out on-loan.

It’s claimed that Liverpool are ‘happy to sanction’ a deal to see Bajcetic leave on a temporary basis this summer.

The Spain U21 international is, correctly, said to need regular game time after missing so much football for the Reds.

Are Liverpool making a mistake with Bajcetic?

Had Bajcetic been able to stay fit after coming into the team in such impressive fashion in 2023, maybe Liverpool wouldn’t have even needed to go for Zubimendi in the first place.

The youngster showed real signs that he can be a regular starter for the Reds, and then injuries took ahold.

Although he’s a little down the pecking order, Bajcetic obviously can still add something to this Liverpool team and would get perhaps 15 or 20 games this season.

But having been out for so long, it’s probably right to think that the former Celta Vigo prospect may need a little more than that.

In our opinion, if the right club can be found for Bajcetic to play at a high level every week, then this could still be a good, and necessary, decision. Get him back and ready to stake his claim having had a proper season away.