Real Madrid ‘begged’ for Stefan Bajcetic as Liverpool secure new contract until 2027
Stefan Bajčetić has been a rising star for Liverpool this season and was recently rewarded with a new contract. But he could have easily gone to Real Madrid.
In what has been an extremely negative campaign for Liverpool, one of the few bright spots this season has been the development of Spanish midfielder Stefan Bajčetić.
Bajčetić has brought out the best in Jürgen Klopp’s midfield and has played at various levels in recent months.
But it could have all been very different. Bajčetić might not even have worn Liverpool red, but rather Manchester United red or even Real Madrid white if things had turned out differently.
“Manchester United, Liverpool and Real Madrid called him but for his father in this case the only option was Liverpool,” Otero reveals. “You have to feel something, Real Madrid and Barcelona, you can only be a different player. Liverpool wanted Stefan and not just any Celta Vigo player.
In an extremely negative season for Liverpool, one of the few bright spots this season has been the development of Spanish midfielder Stefan Bajčetić. Bajčetić has made the most of Jurgen Klopp’s midfielders who have appeared at varying levels of form in recent months and his performances have indeed been hailed by Klopp as one of the ‘few positives’ in a very difficult period for the club.
But everything could have turned out very differently. Bajčetić might not even have worn Liverpool red, but rather Manchester United red or even Real Madrid white if things had turned out differently.
In an interview, Celta Vigo sporting director Alex Otero reveals that the 19-year-old had options when he decided to leave Vigo in the summer of 2020.
“Manchester United, Liverpool and Real Madrid called him but for his father in this case the only option was Liverpool,” Otero reveals. “You have to feel something, Real Madrid and Barcelona, you can be just another player. Liverpool wanted Stefan and not just any Celta Vigo player.”
His father was convinced that Stefan would have a career in England and they never doubted Liverpool. In the beginning he was never “Oh Manchester United, Manchester United”. Liverpool showed up and they both only had eyes for Liverpool.”
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Subscribers to our newsletter get a roundup from one of Liverpool FC’s top writers Monday to Friday, straight to your inbox, completely free of charge. In some ways it’s no surprise that Liverpool managed to beat Manchester United in 2020, having just secured the Premier League title and triumphed in the Champions League the previous season. But overcoming Real Madrid is always impressive:
“At that time he wasn’t the best player in the Galician team, he was a very good player, but not the best. It’s a very good message for the rest of the world, I think, because players, fathers and agents sometimes let themselves be carried away by Under 14s, 15s and 16s when clubs like Real Madrid are interested Sometimes it’s not the best [players] who get the chance to play for teams like Liverpool.
“Stefan and his father, I believe, have decided in Spain to always play for Celta Vigo because there are more opportunities in the first team than in Real Madrid or Barcelona. They told me that if they stayed in Spain it would be Celta, if they were outside Spain it would be Liverpool. When Real Madrid found out that Liverpool wanted to contact Stefan, he freaked out: ‘Stefan, oh no, come here!'”
It seems Real Madrid practically begged for Bajčetić when Liverpool’s interest materialized, but he had made up his mind. With the opportunities that have already been offered to him, he will surely be happy with his decision.
Bajčetić recently signed a new contract at Anfield, keeping him at the club until 2027, symbolizing the trust Klopp has shown in him. With Liverpool set to rejuvenate their midfield this summer, Bajčetić will play an important role in the evolution of the engine room.