The devastating news of Marc Bernal's knee injury has forced Barcelona to once again delve into the transfer market in the final days of the summer window in search of a replacement, and it appears the Catalans have identified their target.
This has been confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, who revealed that Barca have made a formal offer to Liverpool to loan 19-year-old defensive midfielder Stefan Bajcetic for a season.
Exclusive: Barcelona send direct loan offer to Liverpool for talented midfielder Stefan Bajcetic!
More specific details: Loan bid worth 4 million euros, no buyout clause.
Now Barca are trying to do the same following Bernal's injury, after a loan bid from RB Salzburg on Tuesday.
– Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 28, 2024
Barca are willing to pay a loan fee of 4 million euros and have not included a purchase option in the deal, making it a simple loan to make up for the loss of Bernal. According to Romano Blaugrana There is some competition in Red Bull Salzburg, who have also made a formal offer to take Bajcetic on loan.
Liverpool are willing to trade their prospect for the chance to gain vital experience elsewhere, and Barca couldn't be in a better position given Bernal's injury and the immediate absence of players such as Frenkie de Jong and Gavi through their own injuries.
Bajcetic would be able to come in and play straight away, and that's how Barca are hoping to convince Liverpool to accept their offer. We'll definitely be keeping a close eye on this story.