STEFAN BAJCETIC: CELTIC LOOKING AT PERMANENT DEAL FOR LIVERPOOL STARLET
- BY LIAM CARRIGAN
- Jul 29
- 2 min read
I spoke of my disappointment earlier today that Celtic’s proposed move for Jahmai Simpson-Pusey is, if it comes off, likely to just be a loan, with no permanent option.
However, according to Liverpool FC Fans’ news source Class Liverpool, the Stefan Bajcetic Celtic loan move, if it happens, would include an option to buy.
Is Stefan Bajcetic Celtic’s Long Term Callum McGregor Replacement?
The 20-year-old Spaniard is held in high regard at Liverpool, despite only having made 12 appearances since joining the Reds from Celta Vigo in 2022. A commanding defensive central midfielder who can also operate as a center back, Bajcetic would, potentially, fill a couple of gaps in Celtic’s current squad.
Bajcetic has represented Spain at under-21 level but also qualifies to play for Serbia.
His father, Srdan Bajcetic is a former Serbian international footballer. During his club career he played for, amongst others, FK Vojvodina, a name well known to Celtic fans.
The Lisbon Lions beat the then Yugoslavian Champions on their way to European Cup glory.
In pursuit of game time, the younger Bajcetic went out on loan twice last season. He spent the first part of the season on loan at RB Salzburg, before heading to the Canary Islands in January to play for Spanish La Liga side Las Palmas.
Unfortunately for the Gran Canaria side, their relegation from the top flight last season means they will not be able to keep the player.
So, he’s currently back at Liverpool, however he is not part of their current Asian tour due to a minor injury.
Liverpool’s final game in their pre-season tour will be this Wednesday evening, local time, against Yokohama F Marinos.
Sources in Liverpool claim that no decision on the player’s future will be made until he has discussed his options with Liverpool’s management, with talks likely to happen at the end of this week.
So, this isn’t a player we can expect to see turning out against St. Mirren on Sunday. He is however, an exciting prospect and one that Celtic seem to be genuinely interested in bringing up to Glasgow.
The proposed deal would be a season-long loan with an option to buy for a pre-determined fee at the end of the coming season.
Of course, the natural inclination is to suggest that, as a defensive midfielder, Bajcetic would be a probable long-term replacement for Callum McGregor. However, his physicality and his tough tackling, combined with his aerial ability means he could also deputize in the heart of the defense, when needed.
Don’t worry, this isn’t another Nir Biton.
As much as the big man gave his all for Celtic in every game he played, I think we all know Biton was never a central defender. That’s not the case with Bajcetic. He combines the flair and ingenuity of a Spanish footballer, with the grit and no-nonsense attitude of his Eastern European roots.
This is an exciting one, if Celtic can get the deal done. Don’t expect any serious movement on this until next week though.
