Liverpool ready to let midfielder leave on loan despite missing out on Martin Zubimendi: Reports
Liverpool are reportedly prepared to send Stefan Bajcetic out on loan this summer despite failing to sign Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi.
After being heavily linked with Zubimendi for over a week, the Anfield outfit recently received a major blow. The Spanish midfielder allegedly rejected a transfer to the Premier League outfit to remain at his club.
Following Zubimendi's decision to stay at Real Sociedad, Liverpool are currently in a fix. They are without a single new face ahead of the start of the 2024-25 Premier League campaign under new boss Arne Slot.
Now, according to The Athletic, Slot is willing to part ways with Bajcetic on a season-long loan deal this summer. The 19-year-old midfielder is in need of regular game time after missing over 40 matches last term.
Bajcetic, who joined the Reds from Celta Vigo's academy in 2020, has made 22 appearances across all competitions for Liverpool so far. He has scored one goal – in a 3-1 league win against Aston Villa in 2022.
Meanwhile, Slot was recently asked to opine on his number six options. He told club media after his side's 4-1 pre-season victory over Sevilla:
"I think we've seen mostly Wataru Endo there or Ryan [Gravenberch]. And in a previous game even Dominik [Szoboszlai] was a bit lower. But I have quite a good idea which player suits there, at this moment in my opinion, best. But like I said, we are only one week working together with some players. We are still in a situation where we are constantly evaluating which is the best team for us."
Liverpool boss Arne Slot reveals why young defender did not feature in recent friendlies
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has revealed that Sepp van den Berg did not feature in his team's friendly contests against Sevilla and UD Las Palmas due to load management. He told club media:
"That's load management, the way we call it. And, of course, a player like Nat [Phillips], who is training with us for a long time, deserved to have some playing time as well. So, it's a combination of a player who has already made a lot of minutes and we don't want to take the risk of him getting injured – as we don't want with anyone, but with him, we thought it was best for him not to start today."
Van den Berg, whose Reds deal will expire in 2026, has allegedly been linked a summer switch to the likes of Mainz 05 and TSG Hoffenheim.
Last season, the 22-year-old defender helped Mainz avoid relegation from the Bundesliga as he scored thrice in 33 league games on loan.