Barcelona have reportedly made a loan offer for Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic.
The 19-year-old has been overlooked for a spot in the Liverpool squad in the early stages of the 2024-25 campaign, and the Spaniard is expected to leave Anfield on a temporary basis before the window closes.
Red Bull Salzburg have been heavily linked with Bajcetic, but according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, an offer has now been lodged by Barcelona.
Romano claims that Hansi Flick's side have offered a loan fee of €4m (£3.4m), but there will be no purchase option included in the agreement, with Liverpool therefore free to revisit his future next summer.
The teenager signed a contract extension with Liverpool in January 2023, and his terms with his Merseyside club are due to run until the summer of 2027.
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Barcelona 'submit loan bid' for Bajcetic
Bajcetic came through the youth system at Celta Vigo before moving to Liverpool in 2020, and he has made 22 first-team appearances for his English club in all competitions.
The midfielder featured on 19 occasions during the 2022-23 campaign, but he only made three appearances last term due to a pelvic problem which has seen his career stall.
Bajcetic was involved in Liverpool's preparations for the current season, but he has not been selected by new head coach Arne Slot for either league game against Ipswich Town or Brentford.
RB Salzburg had seemingly been at the head of the queue for the signature, but Barcelona have now allegedly made a move to sign him on loan for the season.
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Why are Barcelona moving for Bajcetic?
Barcelona have been hit with the news that Marc Bernal is likely to miss the remainder of the season due to the ACL injury that he suffered during Tuesday's game against Rayo Vallecano.
Gavi and Frenkie de Jong are also currently on the sidelines through injury, while Ilkay Gundogan returned to Manchester City last week, so Barcelona are currently very short in the middle of midfield.
Both Gavi and De Jong should return in the coming months, but the La Liga leaders are in need of another player in that area of the field, especially considering Pedri's recent fitness problems.
Matt Law
