Jurgen Klopp is the most successful Liverpool manager in recent memory.

The German won just about everything he could while in charge of the Reds, leaving the club only due to his own resignation.

Advertisement

Arne Slot assumed the managerial role following Klopp’s departure and, while he secured the Premier League title in his first season, he did so with Klopp’s squad rather than one of his own design.

As the 2025-26 season unfolded, Liverpool invested over £450 million, leading many to believe they would become an unstoppable force. However, the reality was starkly different, with the Reds finishing fifth in the Premier League.

This disappointing performance culminated in Slot’s dismissal, resulting in Andoni Iraola taking over.

In his brief tenure, Iraola has initiated several changes to the squad. However, indications suggest that he might part ways with one of Klopp’s promising talents nurtured during his management.

Advertisement

Throughout the summer, Liverpool’s midfield has been a focal point of discussion. Speculation arose regarding Alexis Mac Allister departing after the 2026 World Cup, while some even speculated on Dominik Szoboszlai also packing his bags.

Nevertheless, neither of these transfers transpired, with Szoboszlai even being offered a new deal to secure his place at Liverpool.

Following that, most rumors centered on Curtis Jones, who has now departed for Inter Milan, leading to the need for a new midfield focus.

Stefan Bajcetic appears to be the player stepping into the spotlight. The Spaniard has faced a lengthy injury spell, but this pre-season marks his return to action with Liverpool.

Advertisement

Despite the club’s urgent requirement for a holding midfielder, reports suggest he may be removed from future plans.

“Exclusive confirmed: Stefan Bajcetic transfer to Celta all but sealed,” reported journalist Matte Moretto via X.

Liverpool Must Ensure Adequate Squad Depth Before Offloading Stefan Bajcetic

During Klopp’s tenure, Bajcetic stood out as one of his top prospects.

Klopp handed him his debut and featured him regularly during the 2022-23 season, where he participated in 19 matches across all competitions.

Advertisement

Unfortunately, injury issues curtailed his playing time significantly.

Since then, Bajcetic has struggled with various injuries and spent a season on loan at RB Salzburg and Las Palmas, yet he has not returned to the form that once showcased his potential.

Now that he seems fit again, he could be a valuable asset for Liverpool, especially if he can rediscover his best performance.

However, amidst the current turnover in players at the club, it seems likely the 21-year-old will be let go.

If this occurs, Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, Mac Allister, and Trey Nyoni would likely take on most responsibility in midfield.

While four options might appear sufficient, any injuries or positional switches could complicate Liverpool’s plans significantly.

Jurgen Klopp is the most successful Liverpool manager in recent memory.

The German won just about everything he could while in charge of the Reds with him only leaving the club due to his own resignation.

Advertisement

Arne Slot was appointed as his successor and, while he may have won the Premier League title at the first time of asking, he did it with Klopp’s team, rather than his own.

Then the 2025-26 season came around and after Liverpool spent over £450 million, most people thought they’d be unstoppable.

In reality, that was far from the case with the Reds finishing fifth in the Premier League table.

This resulted in Slot’s sacking which then led us to where we are now, with Andoni Iraola at the helm.

During his short time in charge, he’s made a few changes to the Reds’ ranks and now, it looks like he’s ready to axe one of Klopp’s many wonderkids that he nurtured during his time in charge in L4.

Advertisement

For most of the summer, Liverpool’s midfield has been a major talking point.

Many people expected Alexis Mac Allister to leave after the 2026 World Cup concluded with some even thinking that Dominik Szoboszlai would end up packing his bags.

However, neither of those deals ended up occurring with Szoboszlai even being offered a new deal to secure his Liverpool future.

From that point on, most of the rumours were about Curtis Jones and, since he’s now left L4 and joined Inter Milan, there needs to be a new centre of attention.

That’s why Stefan Bajcetic comes in. The Spaniard has spent the best part of the last few season side-lined due to injury with his 2026-27 pre-season the first time he’s been able to feature for Liverpool in a while.

Advertisement

And, while the club are in desperate need of a number six, it seems like they could be about to take him out of their plans entirely.

“Exclusive confirmed: Stefan Bajcetic transfer to Celta all but sealed,” journalist Matte Moretto shared via X.

Liverpool need to make sure they have enough players for the 2026-27 season before selling Stefan Bajcetic

During Klopp’s time as Liverpool manager, Bajcetic was one of his best-rated prospects.

The German gave him his debut for the Reds and even made him a regular feature during the 2022-23 season where he played in 19 games across all competitions.

Advertisement

However, thanks to an injury, his playing time was cut short.

From then on, he’s had to deal with multiple injuries and, while he spent a season away from Anfield on loan to RB Salzburg and Las Palmas, he’s still never reached the heights he showed a few years ago.

But, now that he’s supposedly fighting fit, he could genuinely be an asset to Liverpool, especially if he can re-find his form.

However, with the massive clear-out that the Reds are undergoing, it seems like the 21-year-old is going to be let go.

This obviously means that Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, Mac Allister and Trey Nyoni will fill those gaps for most of the season.

On paper, four options seems like more than enough but, if two get injured or some of them have to be moved into other positions, things could get messy for Liverpool.