Club official reveals how Liverpool beat rivals to signing of defender

The academy coordinator of Celta Vigo, Alex Otero, has shed light on how Liverpool won the race to sign Stefan Bajcetic this winter.

Liverpool acquired the 16-year-old defender from the Spanish club to join their academy. They faced multiple hurdles to do so.

Not only did they have to beat a deadline imposed by Brexit restrictions, they also had to fend off competition from other interested parties.

For example, Premier League rivals Manchester United were also linked with the defender. There was also interest from other clubs in Spain, Otero has confirmed.

The Celta official has now confirmed why Bajcetic chose Liverpool instead.

“There were other clubs in England and various ones in Spain who asked about him,” he told The Athletic.

“Apart from it being an incredible experience for him to join Liverpool, to experience a different culture and learn a new language, the family were convinced that Liverpool is a club that looks after young men really well.

“Other big clubs in Spain wanted him but they chose Liverpool for the academy system.

“We hoped he could be an elite player for Celta but we understand the proposal came and Celta cannot be at that level.”

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Bajcetic has since joined Liverpool’s under-18 side, and will be hoping to progress through the ranks with time.

Liverpool spent €250,000 to lure him to Merseyside, so will be keen to see how their investment develops.

Liverpool to beat Man Utd to another target?

Bajcetic is not the only player to have been linked with both Liverpool and Man Utd.

Reports earlier this week indicated that the champions were to set to challenge their rivals for Sporting CP midfielder Pedro Goncalves.

Goncalves has stepped into the space vacated by Bruno Fernandes at the Lisbon-based club. Now, there are rumours he could follow the same transfer route as the Man Utd star.

However, Liverpool are also considering making an offer for Goncalves.

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