View: Liverpool youth ace could extend loan move after international verdict
Stefan Bajcetic could opt to extend his Liverpool loan move at RB Salzburg if he is not chosen to represent Spain at the Under-21 European Championships.
The 20-year-old has been plying his trade in the Austrian Bundesliga this term and featuring regularly, while former Reds assistant manager Pep Ljinders has struggled with his side 11 points adrift the top spot.
However, despite Salzburg’s fortunes, Bajcetic revealed in an interview with Marca [15 November], that he has the option to extend his stay in Austria to compete in the Club World Cup but his decision will be contingent on an international call-up.
He said: “Being on loan at Salzburg and Liverpool not going to the World Cup, I have the option to choose between returning to Liverpool or playing the World Cup with Salzburg.
“If I go back to Liverpool, I have the option to come to the European Championships and that would be something I would really like to do.
“I missed the Olympics and European Championships last year due to injury, I have never been to a tournament like this with the national team, I am really looking forward to it.”
Stefan Bajcetic could decide his Liverpool future with his choice
While the Reds would hardly question the midfield prospect’s long-term should he choose to remain in Austria, however, his commitment to the club would surely come into question.
The European Championship and Copa America hindered Arne Slot’s first pre-season preparations at Liverpool with most of the first team squad on international duty.
Bajcetic, of course, would benefit from tournament experience at the Under-21 Euros but, if he is snubbed by Santi Denia – continuing at a struggling Austrian side would be far less beneficial than a full pre-season at his parent club.
Now, he will face a far more competitive midfield battle at Anfield with Ryan Gravenberch now considered one of the most important players in the squad and Slot is expected to continue to strengthen with discussions underway long-term target Aurelien Tchouameni [Sacho Tavolieri].
The Club World Cup runs from 15 June to 13 July, meaning he would miss the majority of the pre-season preparations, to compete in a competition where his side would undoubtedly be eliminated at the first hurdle, barring a favourable draw.
It remains to be seen, where Slot envisions Bajcetic in his first team plans next year, this will surely depend on how he performs on-loan but, he will be best served returning to Anfield at the earliest opportunity and reminding the boss why Jurgen Klopp had so much faith in his talents.
In other Liverpool news, national media raves over Reds ace Caoimhin Kelleher after what he did for the Republic of Ireland.
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