Stefan Bajcetic Leaves Liverpool for Celta Vigo in Permanent Transfer
Stefan Bajcetic’s Liverpool career is over, at least for now. LFC confirmed that “Stefan Bajcetic has completed a permanent transfer from Liverpool to Celta Vigo.” It is a clean break, and probably the right one for player and club.
There was genuine promise here. Bajcetic “returns to the Spanish club after five-and-a-half years with the Reds in which he made 22 senior appearances and scored once.” Those numbers tell part of the story. Talent was obvious, opportunity arrived early, but momentum never truly stayed with him.
Liverpool signed him from Celta in February 2021, and the rise was swift. He “quickly progressed through the ranks at the club’s Academy” and made his senior debut in memorable circumstances, “during the 9-0 Anfield win over AFC Bournemouth in August 2022, aged 17.” His first goal came soon after in “a 3-1 Premier League victory away at Aston Villa on Boxing Day that same year,” and he went on to feature 19 times that season.
Injuries Halted Stefan Bajcetic Progress
This is where the story turns. “However, injury issues limited him to only three appearances in the next campaign.” That line sums up the central problem. Development at elite level needs rhythm, repetition and availability. He had too little of all three.
There were further efforts to reignite things. Bajcetic “played 33 games across loan spells with Red Bull Salzburg and Las Palmas during 2024-25, though was again unable to take to the pitch during 2025-26.” At that point, sentiment gives way to reality. Liverpool moved on, and Celta Vigo offered a route back home.
Celta Vigo Move Offers Fresh Start
LFC stated, “A deal has now been agreed for the 21-year-old to return to Celta in a permanent move.” That feels sensible. He is still young, still technically gifted, and still has time to build a serious career if his body finally cooperates.
The club’s farewell was simple and proper, “Everyone at LFC wishes Stefan the best of luck for the future.” There is no drama here. Just a player who showed a lot, played too little, and now gets a chance to reset somewhere familiar.
Our View
From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, this one hurts more than some bigger exits. Bajcetic always looked like one of those players you wanted to make it. Calm on the ball, brave in the tackle, mature beyond his years, he had that look of a midfielder who understood the game before the game had fully caught up with him.
That is why the line about “injury issues” lands so heavily. Fans can accept dips in form, poor fits, even transfer mistakes. What is harder to take is when a young player’s path gets broken by things he cannot control. When he burst through, it felt natural to imagine him staying for years.
There will be supporters who wonder whether Liverpool have let him go too soon. That is fair. Equally, football can be ruthless, and availability matters. If a player cannot get on the pitch, the club has to make hard decisions.
What most Reds will feel now is gratitude and hope. Gratitude for the flashes he gave us, and hope that returning to Celta Vigo gives him stability, confidence and regular football. Sometimes going back is exactly how a career moves forward. If that happens, plenty at Anfield will be pleased to see it.
Source: LFC
