Liverpool Midfield Changes: Bajcetic Leaves, No Replacement Planned

Liverpool have agreed to cash in on another midfielder – and made a firm call on whether anyone new will arrive to plug the gap.

The noise around Anfield this summer has been all about wingers, but the real intrigue is suddenly in the middle of the pitch. The engine room is being stripped back and reshaped, and it’s happening fast.

Curtis Jones has already gone, joining Inter Milan in a deal worth £30m. His exit trims Jürgen Klopp’s – and now Arne Slot’s – central options to Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Trey Nyoni, Wataru Endo and Stefan Bajcetic.

Six names. Only two with a defensive streak: Endo and Bajcetic. Both currently on the fringes.

Now one of those is heading out.

Bajcetic set for Celta Vigo return

Liverpool have agreed to sell Stefan Bajcetic back to his former club Celta Vigo, according to respected reporter Matteo Moretto. A club-to-club agreement is in place with the La Liga side, paving the way for the 21-year-old to return to Spain.

His time in England never really got started. Bajcetic has endured a grim spell ravaged by injuries, playing fewer than 60 matches over the past four years. The promise was there, but his body never allowed a proper run.

As translated by AnfieldSector from Moretto’s comments on DAZN_ES, the move is a permanent transfer. Celta and Liverpool have struck a deal that will see the Reds retain a percentage of any future sale. For Celta, the upfront cost is minimal – a package built around bonuses and that sell-on clause rather than a significant fee.

Bajcetic is expected to undergo his Celta Vigo medical soon.

With the Spaniard entering the final year of his contract and his appearances so heavily restricted by persistent setbacks, Liverpool’s decision to accept a nominal fee is hardly surprising. The sell-on clause is the insurance policy: if Bajcetic finally stays fit and flourishes back in familiar surroundings, Liverpool still stand to benefit.

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has also reported that Celta Vigo are closing in on an agreement over personal terms with the midfielder, with a deal to join from Liverpool moving towards completion.

Jones gone. Bajcetic going. The obvious question follows.

No midfield replacement planned

Are Liverpool about to sign a new midfielder to cover the double departure?

No.

Earlier this week, TEAMtalk revealed that Liverpool have opted to promote teenager Trey Nyoni up the pecking order instead of entering the market. Internally, Nyoni is now viewed as fourth choice for the central roles.

Szoboszlai, Gravenberch and Mac Allister will contest the two starting positions. Behind them, Nyoni steps up as the next in line, with Endo ranked fifth.

The Athletic have since reinforced that picture. Their Liverpool reporter James Pearce wrote that, despite growing calls for midfield reinforcements – calls that grew louder after the dramatic 2-2 draw with Newcastle – senior club sources insist the priority remains out wide. The recruitment drive is focused on bolstering the forward line, not the middle of the park.

“They don’t intend to replace Jones, as they see teenager Trey Nyoni as ready to step up and play a bigger part this season,” Pearce reported. Unless there is a late change of stance, only the attack will be strengthened.

Liverpool are backing youth and versatility in midfield while trimming numbers and chasing firepower on the flanks. It is a bold bet on the next generation – and on the durability of those already in place.