Arne Slot may have hinted at long-term Martin Zubimendi alternative despite Liverpool transfer risk

Liverpool couldn't convince Martin Zubimendi to make a transfer to Anfield this summer, but Arne Slot has another player who could take on that mantle — though not for another 12 months.

After looking at Aurelien Tchouameni, Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia in recent summers, Liverpool does need a long-term solution at the base of its midfield. Ryan Gravenberch could become that but even if he does, the Reds will need more than one player who is capable of playing there.

In Stefan Bajcetic, though, there is someone with the potential to excel in that position. The 19-year-old is not ready to play a role at Anfield just yet, it has been decided, after he spent almost the whole of last season out injured. But at Red Bull Salzburg under Pep Lijnders for the rest of the campaign, Bajcetic should be able to get the regular game time he needs.

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"I hope it will be a big year for him because he’s a very talented player and I think he could become a very important player for us, but only if he gets playing time now," Slot said after Bajcetic's move was announced. "If you are that young and you’ve been out for so long, the only thing you need is playing time.

"He could have playing time over here, but we’ve got six or seven very good midfielders, so his playing time here will always be more limited than we expect him to play at Salzburg. So for him and us, we think it’s best for him to play at the moment, instead of maybe playing a few times and then being on the bench for a long time again.

"It’s very difficult to keep a player fit, who’s been out for 15 months when you only play him once in a while. So this is for the long term."

Bajcetic remains a massive talent, however, which is reflected by the fact that Barcelona showed an interest in him before he moved to Austria. While he is still regaining sharpness having been out for so long, the teenager could return to Liverpool next summer and be like a new signing.

"It’s a smart decision, at least in our opinion, to let him go somewhere, where he will hopefully play a lot of games," Slot continued. "Then for next season, we’ll have a player. If he fulfills his potential, he could definitely play for us in the future."

Liverpool.com says: Losing Bajcetic from the Liverpool roster this season is a risk because the Reds do not have loads of options in that department. In terms of him getting back to his best, though, it is a complete no-brainer.

Working under Lijnders and at a club renowned for developing young talent, there could be no better place for him to get back on the right track. His ceiling is huge but patience will be required to slowly reintegrate him at senior level. Lijnders will be able to to that.