Liverpool's Midfield Gamble: Bajcetic Leaves, Nyoni Promoted
Liverpool are stripping back their midfield again – and this time, there will be no replacement.
Curtis Jones has already gone, sold to Inter Milan in a deal worth £30 million. Now Stefan Bajcetic is on his way too, yet Anfield’s recruitment team are standing firm: no new midfielder is coming in.
At a time when central midfield is under the microscope, it is a bold stance.
Endo isolated, Nyoni elevated
Right now, Wataru Endo is Liverpool’s only recognised defensive midfielder. The 31-year-old offers experience and positional discipline, but he is not expected to dislodge Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai or Alexis Mac Allister in the starting XI.
That trio will scrap for the two advanced central roles. Behind them, the club have made a clear internal call: teenager Trey Nyoni is now fourth in line.
Graeme Bailey revealed earlier in the week that Liverpool had opted against signing a holding midfielder, despite the sale of Jones and the obvious gap in the squad profile. That decision has since been echoed by one of the most reliable voices on the Anfield beat.
James Pearce of The Athletic reports that Liverpool’s hierarchy remain unmoved by the growing noise around midfield depth, even after the chaotic 2-2 draw with Newcastle reignited concerns about control in the middle of the pitch.
Pearce wrote that, despite the “clamour for midfield reinforcements”, senior figures insist the club’s priority is strengthening out wide in attack. Jones, they believe, will not be replaced because Nyoni is viewed as ready to play a greater role this season. Unless there is a late change of heart, only the forward line will be addressed.
So Liverpool head into the new campaign with Szoboszlai, Gravenberch and Mac Allister as starters, Nyoni promoted as the next cab off the rank, and Endo pushed down to fifth-choice cover.
It is a vote of confidence in youth. It is also a risk.
Bajcetic to Celta Vigo as injuries force reset
That risk grows with the departure of another genuine defensive option.
Stefan Bajcetic, once seen as a long-term solution at the base of Liverpool’s midfield, is set to leave on a permanent deal. Injuries have shredded his momentum in England, and with just a year left on his contract, the club have chosen to cash out – lightly – and move on.
Trusted reporter Matteo Moretto says Liverpool have reached a club-to-club agreement with Celta Vigo, the Spaniard’s former side. The fee is only nominal, but the Reds have protected their interests with a sell-on clause, a detail that could become important if Bajcetic rebuilds his career back in La Liga.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Celta and Bajcetic are now close to agreeing personal terms as well, clearing the final hurdle before the move is completed.
So Liverpool will lose Jones and Bajcetic, keep Endo as an experienced safety net, and hand greater responsibility to Nyoni. All while turning their gaze to the wings rather than the engine room.
If the youngsters justify that faith, this will look like sharp, decisive squad planning. If they don’t, the question will follow Liverpool all season: did they gamble one midfielder too many?
