Liverpool set to complete transfer before deadline with clever clause agreed

Liverpool's Stefan Bajcetic is closing in on the exit door after falling down the Anfield pecking order but, despite preparing for a return to Celta Vigo, the Reds have kept the door open to a move

Liverpool are ready to sanction Stefan Bajcetic's exit with the midfielder closing in on a return to Celta Vigo.

The 21-year-old began his career with the Spanish side before moving to Anfield, but after impressing initially back when Jurgen Klopp was in charge Bajcetic has endured an injury-hit few years and is no longer part of the plans on Merseyside.

Talk of Bajcetic heading back to Celta Vigo has been ongoing for weeks and a move is expected to materialise before Tuesday's deadline. A transfer fee remains a subject of discussion but Liverpool are expected to include a buy-back clause, reports the Athletic.

Bajcetic's Liverpool contract is due to expire at the end of this season and he has not made a appearance for the club since May 2024. He last played a competitive game in May 2025 during a loan spell with Las Palmas.

Liverpool's midfield has not seen any major additions this summer with Andoni Iraola instead prioritising his defence and the forward line. Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister are the three men most regularly used by the Reds in the middle of the pitch.

Wataru Endo and Trey Nyoni also remain on the club's books, but are further down the pecking order. Academy graduate Curtis Jones was allowed to leave for Inter Milan earlier this summer.

Bajcetic made his Premier League debut as a 17-year-old and was tipped for big things, but he was unable to push on due to persistent fitness issues. Klopp threw the teenager in and was immediately impressed by his quality and durability.

He said: "So far there were no signs we have to rest him, which is good for us. Stefan played exceptional and not because he is only 18, he just played exceptional.

"Top talent, super player. Played really good for us so far. Since he is with us it is a pure joy to work with him. I think the mix of Serbia and Spain is a good one for football. If you meet him he is a top, intelligent boy and it is a joy to work together.

Bajcetic has made 22 appearances across his time with Liverpool, but 19 of those came in his breakout season under Klopp back in 2022/23.

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