Stefan Bajcetic leaves Liverpool for Red Bull Salzburg loan

Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic has joined Austrian Bundesliga side Red Bull Salzburg on a season-long loan for the 2024/25 campaign.

The young Spaniard broke into the Reds' senior squad during the 2022/23 season but a few serious injuries have prevented him from making further progress in the last couple of years.

While the 19-year-old impressed during Jurgen Klopp's time in charge, new head coach Arne Slot has settled on a midfield three of Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai during the first two games of the new Premier League season. Wataru Endo has featured as a substitute, while Curtis Jones is out with a knock.

Barcelona had launched an attempt to pick up Bajcetic after youngster Marc Bernal suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury, with knocks to Gavi and Frenkie de Jong leaving them short in midfield.

However, Salzburg have now confirmed the deal, meaning Bajcetic will leave Anfield on loan for the first time since signing from Celta Vigo in 2020. He will link up with former Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders, who took the top job earlier this summer.

The midfielder said: "I am really happy to be playing for FC Red Bull Salzburg. My aim is to help us celebrate lots of successes together. I would like to win the league and impress in the Champions League too with my new team.

"An important reason for my move is that Salzburg have focused on developing young players for many years - it's a club with lots of potential. Pep Lijnders, who I know from Liverpool and value, is the perfect coach for that. I am looking forward to it all!"

Bajcetic will also reunite with Bobby Clark, who left Merseyside for Austria on a permanent deal after making 14 club appearances in all competitions.

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