Liverpool have produced some of the most exciting talents that have played in the Premier League through their academy. From Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen to Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, to a new era led by Trent Alexander-Arnold and Curtis Jones.
As the next period sat on the horizon, two of the main stars from the next group looked set to be Stefan Bajcetic and Jayden Danns, though at this stage, that has not been the case. When they made their Reds debut, they looked full of energy and mature for their age. Now, it’s difficult to see a way into the squad for either.
Injuries have decimated their chances of playing. Especially the English forward who joined Sunderland on loan in January 2025 and never played a single minute due to injuries.
Their futures were a mystery to many until this week, when James Pearce reported that the duo have a chance to get into the squad this summer.
He said, “The priority for Bajcetic and Danns is ensuring they are fit for pre-season training in July. Then it’s down to them to try to force their way into contention.
“Having missed so much football due to injuries, I’d say the most likely outcome is that they are both loaned out in 2026-27, but nothing is set in stone.”
If Arne Slot stays this summer, it will very much be his say, though if a change is made, they will have a real chance to prove themselves ahead of what could be a decisive period for their future at the club.
Their immediate climbs through the youth ranks have taken a toll on their bodies as a result. Danns was playing U18 football at the beginning of 2023/24. A few months later, he was on the pitch at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final. Bajcetic had to step in for a sunken midfield in 2022/23, where he was arguably Jurgen Klopp’s best player for several weeks.
Fans are frustrated by the minutes Rio Ngumoha’s minutes under Arne Slot, and while Kopites would love to see more of their exciting talent, the injuries fellow academy stars have suffered serve as a reminder of the impact first-team football has on their bodies at such a young age.
One last chance at Liverpool
This pre seasons feels like the final opportunity for both, with the club looking to write the mistakes of the season gone by, so reinforcements will be joining the club this summer.
Hugo Ekitike’s long-term injury will mean an additional striker will be needed to join up with the first team squad next season. There has been a feeling amongst fans that the club will look to sign a versatile forward to fill in the gaps, though Danns has shown in the past that he has what it takes to feature in the top flight.
As for the Spaniard, the Merseyside club have been without a defensive midfielder ever since Fabinho moved to the Saudi Pro League. Ryan Gravenberch did a stellar job in 2024/25, but the club have made no secret about finding the ideal profile to match the squad’s needs. Bajcetic was a hard worker who was also not afraid to stick in a challenge when necessary.
The future looked bright for both at one stage, but that has stagnated, and the world of football is always moving. Trey Nyoni has come through as the next great midfielder, which puts extra pressure on the 21-year-old midfielder, while the 20-year-old striker has a lot of fierce competition.
Will Wright joined from Salford City last summer and has been included on the bench in recent games, while Josh Sonni-Lambie is a star in the U18 squad.
Once the cream of the crop, their chances now seem to dwindle, and if they can’t put up a fight when the team head to the United States of America this July, it could signal an end to their time at the Anfield Outfit.
