Stefan Bajčetić’s father has revealed Manchester United tried to sign the player before he agreed to join Liverpool in December 2020.
The Reds took the midfielder from Celta Vigo and initially included him in their youth team. He was promoted to Liverpool’s first team earlier this season and has made 14 appearances in all competitions.
El Mundo have interviewed the midfielder’s father, Srđan Bajčetić, and he detailed how the Reds were successful in overcoming Manchester United for his son’s signature.
“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,” he said.
“At first, Liverpool told us that they couldn’t do it and then United called us, that they could. Liverpool found out and contacted us again to sign him.”
Srđan suggests Manchester United would have been successful in signing the teenager if Liverpool had not changed their stance on him. That’s mainly because of Celta Vigo’s failure to keep the player, due to economic reasons.
“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,” Srđan explained.
Manchester United’s failure to sign the Spain U18 international has benefited Liverpool as he’s now a first team regular at Anfield. Bajčetić Sr has sent a message to Stefan on how to cement his place at the Merseyside club.
“He was lucky and he took advantage of an unexpected opportunity. It fills me with pride, of course, and we hope it continues like this,” he added.
“I see him well, focused and realistic, aware that he has to push to continue there. If I see that he is confused, I will tell him something, because the difference between a top player and a good player is the head and the mentality. And now he is more serious, he sees things and football differently. He almost thinks more like an Englishman.”
Liverpool face Manchester United at Anfield on March 5th and Stefan may be in contention to feature against the Red Devils. His immediate focus will be on the Champions League round of 16 tie against Real Madrid on Tuesday.
