Stefan Bajcetic’s father has detailed what Liverpool did to stop his son from signing for Manchester United, with the midfielder being approached by the Red Devils during his youth academy days at Celta Vigo.
Speaking to El Mundo, Srdan Bajcetic revealed that Liverpool threw the kitchen sink at the teenager and at Celta to sign the teenage prospect after word had got out that United had made an approach for the now Anfield star, with the Reds eventually winning the race.
Bajcetic senior said: “Some scouts from Liverpool saw him and contacted us, but Stefan was still a child, he couldn’t go anywhere. At first, Liverpool told us that they couldn’t do it, then United called us to propose a deal. Liverpool found out and contacted us again to sign him. He was lucky and he took advantage of an unexpected opportunity.”
With Bajcetic now enjoying a breakout season with Liverpool and cementing himself as a key member of Jurgen Klopp’s patched-up midfield, the Spanish youngster seemingly made the right choice in deciding to move to Merseyside rather than Manchester.
Indeed, alongside Harvey Elliott, Liverpool have two midfielders who have the potential to become long-term players in the squad, with Bajcetic asserting himself as one of the most exciting prospects in the Premier League and a talent who has just signed a new long-term contract with the Reds.
Yet things could have unfolded differently had United won the race for Bajcetic, with Liverpool’s eagerness to bring the Galacia-born maestro to Anfield the deciding factor in winning the midfielder’s signature, a play that now looks like a masterstroke.
Manchester United will be kicking themselves for missing out on Bajcetic
United have enjoyed a sensational season under Erik Ten Hag, with the Red Devils seeing their own wonderkid Alejandro Garancho break onto the scene, yet the Manchester side will still be kicking themselves for missing out on Bajcetic’s signature.
As we know, the midfielder has been incredible for Liverpool since making the central midfield position his own, and with Bajcetic getting better with each passing game, the Reds could have quite the player on their hands if the youngster continues to develop at his current pace.
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