Liverpool's Midfield Shakeup: Bajcetic Set for Celta Return
Liverpool are preparing to trim their midfield again – and this time it’s a specialist holding player heading for the exit, even as the club stand firm on a surprise decision not to buy a replacement.
Midfield in flux – but no signing coming
The engine room at Anfield is suddenly light on natural defensive options. Wataru Endo is the only recognised holding midfielder in the squad, yet the 31-year-old is not expected to start ahead of Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai or Alexis Mac Allister in the big games.
Curtis Jones has already gone, sold to Inter Milan in a deal worth £30m. On paper, that looked like the trigger for Liverpool to move for a new No 6 and reshape the balance of their midfield.
Instead, the club have doubled down on an internal solution.
TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey revealed earlier this week that Liverpool had decided against signing another midfielder, and that stance has now been echoed by The Athletic’s Liverpool reporter James Pearce. Senior figures at the club, Pearce reports, insist the transfer priority lies elsewhere – specifically in adding width in attack – despite noise from supporters after the chaotic 2-2 draw with Newcastle.
The hierarchy do not plan to replace Jones directly. They see teenager Trey Nyoni as ready to step up and take on a bigger role this season.
That leaves Szoboszlai, Gravenberch and Mac Allister contesting the two starting midfield berths. Nyoni has been elevated to fourth in the pecking order, with Endo viewed as additional cover as the fifth option.
Unless there is a late change of heart, only the forward line will be reinforced.
Bajcetic set for Celta return
All of which makes the next move even more striking.
Liverpool are on the verge of letting another midfielder go. Stefan Bajcetic, one of the few genuine defensive-minded players in the squad, is close to leaving Anfield permanently.
Injuries have badly disrupted the Spaniard’s progress in England, halting what once looked like a rapid rise into the first team. Now, with his contract entering its final year, Liverpool are ready to cash out.
Respected journalist Matteo Moretto reports that Bajcetic will return to former club Celta Vigo on a permanent deal. A club-to-club agreement is already in place, with Liverpool set to receive only a nominal fee up front.
The real value for the Reds lies in the structure of the deal. Liverpool have secured a sell-on clause, banking on the possibility that Bajcetic can rebuild his career in La Liga and command a significant fee in the future.
Fabrizio Romano has added that Celta and Bajcetic are close to agreeing personal terms as well, clearing the final hurdle before the move goes through.
Liverpool, then, look ready to tackle a long, demanding season with one senior holding midfielder, a promoted teenager, and a clear bet on attacking reinforcements. It is a bold call. Soon enough, the Premier League will reveal whether it is also a wise one.
