Andoni Iraola’s arrival at Liverpool has given every single player at the club a fresh start ahead of 2026/27, as he aims to decipher where things went wrong under Arne Slot.
A number of first-team stars will benefit from Iraola replacing Slot, but the change in head coach is also likely to have an impact on the Reds’ young players, who were mostly overlooked during the Dutchman’s stint in charge.
Despite breaking through under Jurgen Klopp, Stefan Bajcetic was one of those who did not appear to have the trust of Slot, with the former boss initially sending him out on loan for the 2024/25 campaign at a time when many Liverpool fans felt he was ready for a bigger role.
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Since then, injuries have become an issue for the Spaniard, and despite a good second half of 24/25 on loan with Las Palmas, Bajcetic missed last year in its entirety. Had Slot remained in charge, it is probable that the 21-year-old would have left, regardless of whether he could get himself fit.
But, after Liverpool shared Thursday’s news that Bajcetic had returned to team training for the first time since undergoing hamstring surgery last summer, fans on RTK‘s Facebook page insist that he should be given the chance to show that he can be an option for Iraola.
Liverpool fans hoping to see Bajcetic next season
When he first arrived into the Liverpool team in 2022, it quickly became clear that Bajcetic was a cut above the other young players at the club. Given his last Reds appearance came in May 2024, fans could be forgiven for forgetting just how good he can be, but when asked if Bajcetic has a future with Liverpool, RTK readers were overwhelmingly positive.
“Don’t sell him, before he got injured he looked really good so he’s a definite keeper,” said one supporter.
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“Yes [he has a future at LFC] but he has to stay fit,” said someone else. “DM is a premium position in LFC now. Only him and Endo are out-and-out DM.”
“If he stays fit he will be our 1st choice CDM before the end of the season,” was another view, while one more supporter added: “Let him stay. Was fantastic until that catastrophic match against Real Madrid ( 2-5) in Anfield.”
“Let him play the role 6,” someone else urged. “Outside player is very expensive. Develop him he has the skills and talent of 6.”
“We need strength in depth. Keep,” another fan shared, with others suggesting that Bajcetic should at the very least be given one more chance this pre-season to show how good he could be.
“He will be a free agent in the summer,” said one supporter. “Hopefully, he can prove himself & his fitness so that Reds can renew his contract.”
With his contract set to end in 2027, there is certainly a decision for Liverpool to make over Bajcetic, and not a great deal of time for them to make it in. But his potential surely warrants the Reds taking a chance on him and handing out an extension. It could be one of the best decisions they make in years.
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