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It seemed just like yesterday Stefan Bajcetic was announcing himself to the world in the 2022/23 season, with Liverpool seemingly finding their Fabinho heir right under their noses.

An injury-stricken 2023/24 campaign and Jurgen Klopp’s departure made things less clear for the talented midfielder despite his 2022/23 heroics.

As a result, Bajcetic arrived at Salzburg last summer with high expectations, reuniting with former Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders in a move designed to reignite his career after an injury-plagued period.

Initially, the loan seemed ideal: Champions League exposure, a familiar coach, and a high-pressing system akin to Liverpool’s.

Yet reality quickly diverged from the plan, with Pep Lijnders’ short-lived tenure in Austria going horribly wrong and Bajectic suffering as a result.

Bajcetic struggled for consistency.

He started just eight matches across all competitions, logging 890 minutes.

Faced with stagnation, Liverpool intervened.

In late January 2025, Bajcetic terminated his Salzburg loan early and joined Las Palmas – a club battling relegation in La Liga.

have been suitably impressed.

Writing in the Liverpool Confidential, Lewis Steele has revealed that the club are looking to welcome back Bajcetic next season and give him a chance to stake his claim in the senior squad:

“Arne Slot was keen for him to get this year of experience under his belt and did plan for him to be part of the squad in the future if the season out on loan was a success,” the Merseyside reporter wrote.

“Given the up and down campaign, it is hard to label it a success or failure.”

“As far as I am aware Bajcetic will be given a chance to prove himself on the pre-season tour.

No decisions have been made on his longer-term future yet but he is definitely not earmarked for a sale yet.”

“That could change of course but I think the 20-year-old will be given the opportunity to prove himself to the coaching staff this summer?

If he takes it, there is absolutely every chance he could be part of the first-team squad next season.”

As Liverpool ponder the next steps, one truth is evident: the 20-year-old’s resilience has shown that he has the mentality to succeed.

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