Liverpool’s Loan Stars: Seven Players Facing Uncertain Futures | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Loan Stars: Decisions Loom for Bajcetic, Doak and Emerging Talents

As Arne Slot prepares for his second campaign in charge of Liverpool, having steered the club to a Premier League title in his debut season, the spotlight shifts to the next phase of development. Beyond big-name targets and high-profile exits, a quiet transformation is brewing among the ranks returning from loan spells. Stefan Bajcetic and Ben Doak, two of the brightest academy prospects, head a list of players whose futures may define not just their own careers, but Liverpool’s squad depth in a congested 2025-26 calendar.

Photo: IMAGO

Bajcetic Faces Critical Juncture at Liverpool

Stefan Bajcetic, 20, was once Liverpool’s beacon of composure in the chaos of the 2022-23 campaign. But injuries have repeatedly disrupted his trajectory. Last season’s split loan spell between Red Bull Salzburg and Las Palmas was designed to restore rhythm and resilience. It worked. He started 12 La Liga games, offering glimpses of his trademark positional awareness and passing range.

Liverpool were reportedly satisfied with his progress, especially given his injury history. Still, the midfield is a puzzle of moving parts. If Ryan Gravenberch remains fit and dominant, Bajcetic may find opportunities limited. Interest from other clubs, both temporary and permanent, is expected. However, if he makes a strong impression during pre-season, he could yet carve out a meaningful role under Slot.

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Doak’s Development Interrupted but Not Derailed

Ben Doak, still only 19, was gaining real traction at Middlesbrough under Michael Carrick before injury intervened. Three goals and seven assists from 24 matches hinted at a player starting to polish his raw edges. Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town tested Liverpool’s resolve with bids of £15 million and £16 million respectively, both rejected.

Then came the thigh injury, requiring surgery and cutting short a promising campaign. That follows knee surgery the previous season. The pattern is concerning. Still, Doak’s ceiling remains high and clubs, including Everton, are circling.

If clubs return for Doak this summer then it may suit Liverpool to cash in, especially if pre-season doesn’t elevate him into Slot’s first-team picture. But given the pace, courage and aggression he brings to wide areas, Doak still has the potential to be a wildcard in the season ahead — if he can stay fit.

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Beck and Danns Caught in Uncertainty

Owen Beck’s consistency at Blackburn Rovers was promising until a hamstring injury in February curtailed his progress. Left-back remains a fluid position at Liverpool, with Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas not guaranteed starters. However, interest in Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez suggests Liverpool may look externally for long-term solutions.

Jayden Danns, meanwhile, saw a proposed loan to Sunderland collapse due to a back issue. Instead, he spent the second half of the season recovering, but managed to take part in Liverpool’s title celebrations. With the forward line likely to experience changes, Danns could be an internal option for rotation. Game time will be essential, and loan suitors are already lining up.

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Bubbling Under: Ramsay, Gordon and Koumas

Calvin Ramsay is a name now fading from public memory. Four loan moves last season yielded minimal minutes and another round of injuries. Once seen as the future of the right-back position, his aim now is simply to play regularly.

Kaide Gordon’s long-term injury troubles have stripped away the momentum that once surrounded him. From Derby County prodigy to fringe figure, his spells at Norwich and Portsmouth offered little substance. A reboot is needed, with senior minutes the clear priority.

Lewis Koumas, despite chaotic management turnover at Stoke, made nearly 50 appearances. His adaptability and energy make him an intriguing candidate for a second loan unless a significant offer convinces Liverpool to sell.

Photo: IMAGO

Looking Ahead

Liverpool’s loan contingent reflects both opportunity and attrition. Bajcetic and Doak remain standout names, their progression intertwined with Liverpool’s broader squad planning. As Slot sharpens his focus ahead of the new season, these players will either force their way into contention or find themselves navigating the revolving door of temporary moves.

How many stay to fight? How many are sold to fund reinvestment? Pre-season will reveal much, and for players like Stefan Bajcetic and Ben Doak, the margins between breakthrough and departure have never felt thinner.