Liverpool teenager Stefan Bajcetic has been rewarded for his first-team breakthrough this season with a new contract.
The 18-year-old has made starts in the Premier League – also scoring his first goal – FA and Carabao Cups and also made his Champions League debut in 10 appearances.
Bajcetic, who admits his rapid rise from under-18s football last season to first-team squad has surprised even him, has agreed a new four-year deal.
Manager Jurgen Klopp praised Bajcetic’s progress this season, saying: “There was a door – I’m not even sure it was open – but he ran through it and he was really exceptional.”
The new contract for the Spaniard, who joined in December 2020 from Celta Vigo for £220,000, reflects the club’s policy of acquiring and retaining the best available young talent with nine of the last 10 permanent signings aged 25 or under.
“A year ago I was playing under-18s football and now I’ve started some games, made my debut and even scored a goal – that was something I never expected to happen this year,” Bajcetic told liverpoolfc.com
“It’s amazing to see how fast it went. But I keep working hard and hopefully (there are) more things to come.”