​Stefan Bajcetic’s Liverpool story has always felt like something paused rather than finished. Reports from Leicester Mercury indicate that Middlesbrough have earmarked the 21-year-old as a potential midfield target as they prepare for Hayden Hackney’s anticipated move to Everton. For Liverpool, this is more than a straightforward loan decision; it hinges on timing, trust, and whether one of the club’s most technically gifted young midfielders can still carve out a path back into the Anfield setup under Andoni Iraola.
Bajcetic is still under contract until 2027, but after two challenging years marked by injuries, loan spells, and setbacks, this summer feels pivotal. Liverpool must decide whether he needs another temporary stint away, whether there is still a route at Anfield for him, or whether a permanent move could be part of a broader squad reshaping.
Middlesbrough’s interest makes sense. Hackney, potentially a deal valued up to £25 million, would leave a sizeable midfield gap if his expected Everton transfer goes through. Middlesbrough had previously considered Leicester City’s Oliver Skipp, but Leicester’s £15 million valuation has complicated that option. That has pushed Boro toward alternatives, with Bajcetic now on their shortlist alongside Everton’s Harrison Armstrong.
For Bajcetic, the Championship could offer something Liverpool cannot currently guarantee: regular rhythm, consistent minutes, pressure, and the physical tests of weekly competitive matches. He isn’t a direct Hackney clone, but he has a profile that could flourish in a side intent on controlling possession. Bajcetic is composed on the ball, adept in tight spaces, and intelligent enough to dictate tempo when fit.
Liverpool should not forget his ceiling. Bajcetic did not join Jurgen Klopp’s squad by chance; he earned trust during a difficult 2022/23 season, often appearing more composed than some senior players. A serious adductor injury in March 2023 altered his ascent. Loan spells at RB Salzburg and Las Palmas were meant to rebuild momentum, but further fitness issues limited progress. He later had hamstring surgery and then suffered more setbacks, causing him to miss last season entirely. His recent Instagram post from the AXA Training Centre, captioned “Back on track,” will have offered encouragement, and Liverpool will hope that message proves true.
Pre-season will likely determine the next step. Liverpool’s task is to assess Bajcetic’s physical condition first, with Iraola and the club’s medical and performance staff evaluating where he stands. A Middlesbrough loan could be appealing if Liverpool believe the player needs 35-plus games to boost his development and prove his readiness for a potential return to Anfield.