Jürgen Klopp could be set to save millions in the final weeks of the summer transfer window with the perfect midfield option already sitting amongst his ranks.
After failing to secure the signings of Moisés Caicedo and Roméo Lavia, Liverpool is desperately scrambling to secure the services of a new ‘number six’ to operate within its new-look midfield, which already consists of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.
World Cup star Sofyan Amrabat, Crystal Palace ace Cheick Doucouré and Manchester City’s forgotten man Kalvin Phillips have all been touted as possible options for the Reds to turn to. However, all would likely cost an extortionate amount of money given the fact clubs are aware of the $140m (£110m/€129m) bid Liverpool submitted for Caicedo — and we are approaching the end of the window, where clubs will be reluctant to part with their key players.
Liverpool.com has since taken a look into an alternative — and much cheaper — option for Klopp and his recruitment staff to consider. One which would come at no price at all.
Stefan Bajčetić enjoyed a breakthrough season for Liverpool last year, making a total of 19 appearances for the first team and netting his first senior goal for the club on Boxing Day against Aston Villa.
The 18-year-old displayed composure, talent and experience beyond his years but his flying form was sadly disrupted by an injury picked up in March which ended his season prematurely. Speaking on the progress of the player back in May, Klopp provided an update on his return to full fitness.
“Yeah, there’s progress. I spoke yesterday [with him] along with the doc,” Klopp said. “There will be — around [the] start of pre-season — there will be parts of reintegration, but that will take time.
“So, he’s not in full training. That’s the prediction at the moment. He’s completely pain-free, but we talk about a very young player and a very young body, so we have to be careful.”
The player has since been pictured in training and is looking to step up his recovery, where a possible spot in the starting eleven could be waiting.
In his brief time playing at the highest level, Bajčetić averaged two tackles, one block and 1.4 interceptions per game. This paired with a confidence within himself at such a young age to come into the top flight of English football and contribute instantly, could mean Klopp already has a solid defensive midfielder within his squad
The recruitment need will not completely go away, and Liverpool will not want to put too much strain on a teenager. But at 19, Lavia is barely any older, and was touted as the Fabinho heir. The Reds should have just as much faith in their own youth prospect.
If Liverpool can lean on him and the experience of someone like Thiago — who is another underrated existing option as a number six, and who will be there to guide him — then he could develop into the perfect option for Klopp if given the opportunity. Within a year, he could be exactly where Lavia is now in his development, if not further along.
