Why Spain want to stop Bajcetic becoming the next Garnacho

Cameron Smith

• 20 Feb 2023 11:53 GMT
• 3 min read

The Spanish national team are concerned that Stefan Bajectic will follow Alejandro Garnacho's lead and opt against representing the country of his birth at international level.

Garnacho, 18, was born in Madrid but chose to play international football for Argentina, who have already called him up to the senior squad as they look to blood him into the side.

Bajectic, on the other hand, is yet to choose the country he wishes to represent, leaving Spain concerned that the Liverpool starlet will also choose to not play for their national team.

READ: Garnacho ponders U-turn as Man Utd work on new contract

The midfielder, 18, has burst onto the scene at Liverpool in recent weeks, with Jurgen Klopp trusting him with a starting berth in the past four Premier League matches. He has emerged as a key component of the Reds' midfield trio and is expected to start in their Champions League last-16 clash against reigning champions Real Madrid.

However, AS have reported that Spain are concerned by his father's desire for him to play internationally for Serbia. Bajectic's father, former footballer Srdjan Bajcetic, never played for his nation, but featured 14 times on loan at Red Star Belgrade in 1995, and wants his son to represent Serbia on the international stage.

The Liverpool midfielder has already made three appearances for Spain's U18 side, but is yet to progress any higher. According to AS, it is possible that Bajcetic is called up to the next Spain senior squad by Luis Enrique, in a bid to convince him to choose his birth country as the national team he will represent. If he doesn't receive a senior call-up, then he will reportedly be placed in the U21 squad.

READ: Liverpool handed major boost as Mount's contract talks are halted by Chelsea

Who is Stefan Bajcetic?

Liverpool signed Bajcetic from Celta Vigo aged 16, convincing the player to reject Manchester United's advances in the process.

The Spaniard - who is eligible for Serbia - features mostly as a central midfielder, but has previously played at centre-back and right-back for Liverpool's youth team.

Bajcetic even made his Premier League debut at right-back, coming on during the Reds' rampant 9-0 victory over Bournemouth earlier this season.