Stefan Bajcetic faces new setback in Liverpool loan as coach expresses concern

Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic has had a rough start to his loan spell at Las Palmas after being forced off with an injury during his debut. The Spaniard completed a temporary move to the La Liga side this week following a tough period at RB Salzburg.

The 20-year-old’s time in Austria was cut short, with just eight starts under his belt after joining from Liverpool alongside former Reds assistant manager Pep Lijnders. However, Lijnders was dismissed from his position just before the winter break in mid-December.

On Saturday, Bajcetic was given his first start for Las Palmas in their 2-1 loss to Villarreal, playing 78 minutes before being substituted due to a calf issue. The injury occurred after a physical challenge with Villarreal’s Tajon Buchanan.

This was only Bajcetic’s second appearance in months, having made a brief appearance in Salzburg’s 4-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid last week in the Champions League.

Las Palmas head coach Diego Martinez acknowledged that the calf problem might be linked to Bajcetic’s lack of recent competitive action.

“Basically, it’s a bit of a miracle that Sandro is able to play today,” Martinez said. “And given the situation he came from, it’s further proof of the commitment he has to us, to the club, to the team.

“And obviously, like Stefan, they are players who, for one reason or another, have not trained for a long time and have not had continuity in training.

“In principle, they are normal overloads that have gone up in the femoral muscles, but they have to wait, although it’s as if nothing had happened.”

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Complete list of Liverpool transfers for January 2025 as 7 players depart

Liverpool did not make any signings during the 2025 January transfer window, but several young players left the club either permanently or on loan.

A quiet transfer window typically indicates a well-managed club, and given the solid state of their squad, Liverpool had no need for major signings this month.

With only Trent Alexander-Arnold currently a concern due to injury, following the returns to training of Diogo Jota, Joe Gomez, and Curtis Jones last week, there was no urgency to bring in cover. The team’s impressive performance throughout the season meant significant additions were unnecessary.

In terms of departures, there was interest from Saudi Arabian clubs in Darwin Nunez, but Liverpool was not open to selling him this month, though a move could be considered at the end of the season. Federico Chiesa had also been linked with a return to Serie A due to limited playing time, but his situation at Anfield appears more promising after recent appearances.

Although there were no major arrivals or exits, several youngsters left on loan or permanently. Stefan Bajcetic joined Las Palmas until the end of the season after his move to RB Salzburg was cancelled, while Dominic Corness, Kaide Gordon, and Calvin Ramsay all completed loan moves to other British clubs. Corness moved to Gillingham, Gordon to Portsmouth, and Ramsay to Kilmarnock.

Jayden Danns’ loan move to Sunderland was confirmed on Tuesday, along with news of a minor injury and a new contract. Here’s the full list of Liverpool’s January transfer dealings:

Incomings
None

Outgoings
Marcelo Pitaluga – Permanent to Fluminense
Tom Hill – Permanent to Harrogate
Luca Furnell-Gill – Permanent to Tottenham
Calvin Ramsay – Loan to Kilmarnock
Stefan Bajcetic – Loan to Las Palmas
Dominic Corness – Loan to Gillingham
Kaide Gordon – Loan to Portsmouth
Jayden Danns – Loan to Sunderland