Arne Slot has been reminded he’s got a youngster with an elite mindset at Liverpool, he must use him next season

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It is looking like a busy summer ahead for Arne Slot and Liverpool.

The Reds are targeting five positions this upcoming window, with midfield reinforcements said to be on the club’s radar.

Despite Ryan Gravenberch’s impressive rise, the Dutchman has looked slightly leggy in recent weeks – highlighting the need for more cover in the middle of the pitch.

With this in mind, Liverpool may have been tempted to reignite their interest in Martin Zubimendi. That option however now seems off the table with Zubimendi set to join Arsenal.

So when it comes to searching for viable alternatives, Slot may already have the answer to his midfield problems, with one Liverpool loanee presenting himself as the perfect candidate ahead of next season.

• READ MORE: All Liverpool loanees for the 2024/25 season and how they are performing away from Anfield

Stefan Bajcetic could be perfect midfield option for Arne Slot

Stefan Bajcetic enjoyed a stellar start to life at Liverpool, shining under Jurgen Klopp back in 2022. Since then, however, the Spaniard’s momentum has been derailed by a strain of injuries.

In a quest to rebuild his Liverpool career Bajcetic joined Las Palmas on loan in January and has gone on to impress back in his homeland.

Bajectic recently caught the eye versus Barcelona and has since been praised for his mentality on the pitch.

Alex Abalde, Bajectic’s former Celta Vigo coach, has spoken about the 20-year-old’s rise from Spanish youth football – crediting his mindset as one of the key reasons behind his success.

“He wasn’t affected by pressure, cameras, or competition. He didn’t care whether it was a friendly or playing against Real Madrid or Barca,” Abalde told the print edition of Marca (31/03/2025).

The Celta Vigo coach then claimed that Bajectic’s laidback nature used to sometimes get him in trouble as a kid.

“To tell the truth, he was absent-minded. He would zone out easily, and as a way to refocus, we would say a word to him in Serbian. I think it was ‘idemo,’ which translates as ‘let’s go’ in Spanish. He would say it out loud, and it helped him reconnect.”

Bajcetic could fill Wataru Endo void next season

With Wataru Endo set to leave Anfield this summer, Bajcetic could have the perfect route back into the Liverpool first-team next season.

Primarily positioned as a holding midfielder, Bajcetic has even been compared to Sergio Busquets – suggesting he could provide good competition and cover for Gravenberch.

Klopp labelled Bajectic as ‘incredible’ following his impact during the 22/23 season and it will be interesting to see if the Spaniard can recreate that sort of form if handed the chance by Slot.