Liverpool set to recall player after causing problems at his loan club with role which left team-mates ‘astonished’

Liverpool could be set to ‘terminate’ a player’s loan, which would see him return to the club in January – but a Spanish club are ‘interested’.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot may soon have to decide the future of Stefan Bajcetic, with reports suggesting the club is working to terminate his loan deal with RB Salzburg. The 20-year-old midfielder has struggled during his stint in Austria, failing to record a single goal or assist in 12 Austrian Bundesliga appearances. His underwhelming performances, coupled with off-field issues like being fined for lateness, have raised questions about his fit at Salzburg.

The loan move was initially influenced by former Liverpool assistant coach Pepijn Lijnders, who managed Salzburg earlier this season but has since parted ways with the club. With Lijnders no longer at the helm, Bajcetic’s situation seems increasingly precarious.

Potential Next Steps for Bajcetic

Reports suggest that Liverpool is in advanced discussions with Real Betis for another loan move, as confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano:

*”Real Betis are in advanced talks to sign Stefan Bajcetic on a loan deal from Liverpool. Not done yet but progressing.”*

It’s unclear whether Bajcetic will return to Liverpool to be assessed by Slot or if he will move directly to Betis. Slot may have to decide whether the young Spaniard fits into his long-term plans, especially given Liverpool’s strong form this season under his leadership.

Liverpool’s Current Challenges

While Slot’s side sits atop the Premier League and their 36-team group stage at the season’s halfway point, there are off-pitch concerns. Contract negotiations with key players like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk remain unresolved as all three are set to be free agents at the end of the 2024/25 season. The uncertainty surrounding Bajcetic adds another layer of complexity to Slot’s tenure.

With the January transfer window open, decisions regarding squad depth and future planning will be crucial as Liverpool aims to maintain their dominance in both domestic and European competitions.