Manchester United's interest in Stefan Bajcetic while he was at Celta Vigo prompted Liverpool to perform a U-turn and sign the midfielder, according to his father.
At the age of 16, Bajcetic left the Spanish club to join Liverpool after impressing in front of scouts. Up until this season, the now 18-year-old had been progressing in the Merseyside club's youth ranks. However, he has been promoted to the first team this season.
Liverpool have struggled for options in midfield due to injuries and a lack of transfer investment in that area, and Bajcetic has proven to be a breakout star this season, making 14 appearances in all competitions for the first team.
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The midfielder is likely to start against Real Madrid in the Champions League this week but if it was not for United, Jurgen Klopp would not have the player to call upon, according to the teenager's father, Srdan Bajcetic. In an interview with El Mundo, Bajcetic Sr claimed that Liverpool were unwilling to sign the midfielder until they learnt of United's interest.
He explained: "Celta does not have the financial power to make professional contracts at that age. Sometimes they run away. So that they do not escape, they must be put in the first team and the youngsters are represented. Some scouts from Liverpool saw him and contacted us.
"But Stefan was still a child, not even 16 years old. He couldn’t go anywhere. At first, Liverpool told us that they couldn’t do it and then United called us, [and said] that they could. Liverpool found out and contacted us again to sign him."
Bajcetic joined Liverpool for £224,000 as a centre-back. However, during his time in England he has developed and moved up the pitch into the defensive midfield position.
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