Wolves must make transfers in the January window, and the Old Gold should look towards an out-of-favour Liverpool player they targeted before.
Midfield and attack will be areas of improvement in January, according to Liam Keen, as Wolves look to strengthen and avoid relegation.
Signing a midfielder was a big priority for the club in the summer, but they were unable to get a deal over the line.
A lot of the Old Gold’s previous targets now seem to be out of the question. Middlesbrough are unlikely to sell Hayden Hackney in the winter, with the Championship club well in the mix for promotion.
However, a loan move for a player currently not in the plans of the current Premier League champions could be smart business by Fosun.
Stefan Bajcetic could be a shrewd signing by Wolves
Stefan Bajcetic broke through at Liverpool back in the 2022/2023 season, but due to injuries caused by growing pains, he has not been able to force his way back into the team.
The Spaniard spent last season out on loan at both Red Bull Salzburg and UD Las Palmas, and it was expected he’d do the same this season.
However, after having surgery on his hamstring, the Reds decided it was best for him to stay put.
The Athletic’s Liverpool reporter James Pearce has said that “the situation will be reassessed ahead of the January window.”
With the Champions well stocked in the middle of the park, the 20-year-old’s game time looks to be limited, and that is where Wolves can step in.
The Old Gold will have to work around the Premier League’s homegrown quota, and with Bajcetic playing in England since 2020, he will satisfy it.
Additionally, he is a player that Wolves have long been admirers of.
The Times reported in 2023 that before Bajcetic joined Liverpool, “United, Real Madrid, RB Leipzig, Wolves and Everton had all chased Bajcetic.”
Furthermore, a lot of the criticism of Wolves’ recent business has been that they have signed players who were inexperienced with the intensity required in the Premier League.
With Stefan Bajcetic, they would be signing a player who played under one of the most intense styles of football with Jurgen Klopp, and he is well used to the hard running required in the league.
Stefan Bajcetic fits Vitor Pereira’s criteria for signings
Vitor Pereira wants his players to meet three criteria: Wolves’ signings must be quick, tall, and aggressive.
Stefan Bajcetic hits those data points. The midfielder comes in at 6’1″, he is able to cover ground effectively, and his time at Liverpool means he knows how to be aggressive in the press.
A loan deal for the midfielder could be the best option for all parties. The Reds will want him to get game time at the highest level, and Wolves need midfield cover for Andre and Joao Gomes.
It is a deal that would not stretch the finances of the Old Gold and would be an excellent addition in their relegation battle.
They could then focus their eyes on more long-term deals for the summer, rather than make panic buys in the upcoming window.
In the case that the move would be a success, including an option to buy for Bajcetic would also be smart.