Anfield was busy with departures hours before Monday night’s deadline.
The Reds completed a few deals on Monday, and kept their stance on incoming transfer business. Liverpool want to wait till the summer before any major transfer decisions are made. Arne Slot played a big role in the departures on Monday night.
Last week, the Dutch coach rested nine key players ahead of their Champions League tie with PSV. The Reds were already through to the knockout phase, so it was a chance to rotate. Fitness was not the only reason some players featured last Wednesday. Slot wanted to assess a few players before he made some decisions with Richard Hughes:
“At the moment we have most of our players fit, so we will have this discussion tomorrow, me and Richard [Hughes], about these players,”
Quiz: Can you name the team Liverpool sold these players to?
Midfielder explains decision to move from Anfield
Credit: Imago Images
The game against PSV lead to Slot’s decision to keep James McConnell at the club. Liverpool want McConnell with the first team for the rest of the season.
Speaking of Liverpool midfielders, Stefan Bajcetic completed a loan move to Las Palmas. The youngster was on loan at Red Bull Salzburg, but fell out of favour and was on the bench since December. Liverpool decided to cancel the loan deal, and arrange a new one with the La Liga side. The 20-year old did not arrive at Anfield, he moved straight so Spain.
Bajcetic has opened up on his latest transfer, saying that he wants to play football that suits him:
“It was important that the players on loan are also playing and increasing their value here,”
“Las Palmas is a team that plays good football and gives opportunities to players who come on loan.”
“I hope there will be some for me too. Considering things, it was the best option for me, I want to grow as a footballer. I think I can improve here. I spoke with the coach (Diego Martinez) before signing, and from the start, he gave me a lot of confidence. He is also from Vigo, like me.
“He asked me to bring the attitude I have from my ‘Serbian side’. To come with attitude and commitment, and I told him that will not be lacking. I’m ready to play right away.”
Liverpool made a mistake with Bajcetic loan
The Reds banked on their relationship with former coach Pep Lijnders when sending Bajcetic on loan. Unfortunately he was fired in December, and the young midfielder lost his place in the team. A proper planned loan would have meant Bajcetic’s season would not have been derailed by a managerial sacking.
Las Palmas is in Spain, where the youngster has already said he feels comfortable playing. Liverpool will hope the last six months to the end of the season can make something of this loan deal.
