Stefan Bajcetic explains Liverpool transfer decision despite Barcelona interest

Stefan Bajcetic has opened up on his decision to join Red Bull Salzburg on loan from Liverpool. The 19-year-old had attracted last-minute interest from Barcelona, with the Catalans one of five Spanish clubs who were monitoring his situation.

But former Reds assistant manager Pep Lijnders has won the race for the Spaniard’s signature, with the midfielder joining Bobby Clark in making the move from Liverpool to Salzburg this summer.

The Dutchman has already led the Austrian outfit into the Champions League league-phase since taking over as manager this summer, with Salzburg rewarded with meetings against the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen in Thursday’s draw.

And having featured four times for Liverpool in the Champions League during his breakthrough season in 2022/23, including against Real Madrid at Anfield, Bajcetic is looking forward to again testing himself in Europe’s elite club competition as he reflected on reunited with Lijnders in Salzburg.

“I am really happy to be playing for FC Red Bull Salzburg,” he told the Austrian club’s media. “My aim is to help us celebrate lots of successes together.

“I would like to win the league and impress in the Champions League too with my new team. An important reason for my move is that Salzburg have focused on developing young players for many years - it's a club with lots of potential.

“Pep Lijnders, who I know from Liverpool and value, is the perfect coach for that. I am looking forward to it all!”

Meanwhile, Salzburg sporting director Bernhard Seonbuchner shared his delight at the club beating the likes of Barcelona to Bajcetic’s signature.

“We are really pleased about this transfer, also because there were many other clubs who wanted him,” he said. “It shows how valued we are when it comes to developing talents.

“Stefan is a player who is highly intelligent and can be deployed in lots of different positions. I am certain he will help us and that we will also be good for his development.”