Liverpool's Midfield Dilemma: Bajcetic and Jones on the Move
Liverpool’s winger rebuild is racing ahead. The midfield, though, is in danger of being stripped bare.
While the club push to land both Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye from PSG – having already wrapped up Victor Munoz – the engine room behind them is being quietly dismantled. Curtis Jones is edging towards Inter Milan, Stefan Bajcetic is in talks over a return to Spain, and Andoni Iraola could soon be left relying on a core of five midfielders for a season that demands far more.
Bajcetic talks gather pace
On Monday, the situation around Bajcetic sharpened. Fabrizio Romano revealed that Getafe have opened talks with Liverpool over the 21-year-old, confirming negotiations are under way and the “formula” of the deal is being discussed.
Whether that means a loan or a permanent transfer is still unclear. The decision is complicated by Bajcetic’s contract, which runs out next summer. Any loan would require him to extend his deal first; otherwise Liverpool risk losing him for nothing in 2025. The alternative is brutal but simple: sell now.
The player himself is ready to go home. Matteo Moretto reported last month that Bajcetic is open to a return to Spain if Liverpool decide to move him on, with interest from Rayo Vallecano and Getafe. Iraola, though, has been keen to keep him around, wanting to assess him properly during pre-season before signing off on any exit.
The dilemma is obvious. Keep a talented young midfielder, renew his contract and bet on his development under a new manager – or cash in now and trust the remaining options to carry the load.
Jones closing in on Inter switch
While Bajcetic’s future hangs in the balance, Jones’ path looks far clearer.
The 23-year-old is determined to leave his boyhood club for a fresh start with Serie A champions Inter Milan, and over the weekend the move took a significant step towards reality. Two major obstacles fell in quick succession.
Liverpool have lowered their asking price from £34m to £30m, bringing it closer to Inter’s reach. The Italian side had previously seen a £26m bid rejected but are now expected to return with an improved offer that better reflects Liverpool’s revised valuation.
At the same time, Inter did what they needed to do on their own books. Davide Frattesi has been loaned to Lazio, with an option to buy included, freeing up space in Simone Inzaghi’s midfield and clearing the way for a renewed push for Jones.
If Inter come back with a serious proposal, Liverpool’s stance suggests they are ready to deal.
A bold gamble in midfield
All of this is happening while Liverpool’s recruitment drive focuses almost exclusively on the flanks and the back line. Jeremy Jacquet has arrived and impressed, particularly in the final pre-season friendly against Como, while Ronald Araujo has joined on loan to bolster the defence.
Yet there are no current plans to sign a central midfielder.
If both Jones and Bajcetic depart, Iraola will be left with just five senior midfield options: Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Trey Nyoni.
On paper, that group has quality and variety. In reality, for a club that expects to challenge on four fronts, it is a razor-thin margin for error. One injury crisis, one heavy run of fixtures, and the squad could be pushed to breaking point.
Liverpool are building a new look on the wings and at the back. The question now is whether they are about to take too much out of the middle to pay for it.
