Incredible news! Star returns to Liverpool after over 400 days

An exciting Liverpool star is back in action after over 400 days away.

There are plenty of reasons why Liverpool's transfer business has progressed so slowly this summer.

The biggest factor has been the upheaval behind the scenes. The club are beginning a new era under Andoni Iraola, while there has also been major change at executive level. Michael Edwards has stepped away from his role, Richard Hughes is preparing to leave, and Liverpool's recruitment department has had to adapt during one of the busiest transfer windows in recent years.

FSG have also had plenty on their plate. Ongoing talks over a minority investment have understandably demanded attention, adding another layer of complexity during an already hectic summer.

Then there was the World Cup.

Major international tournaments always make the transfer market more unpredictable. Players are understandably focused on representing their countries, negotiations are delayed, and clubs are often forced to wait until the tournament comes to an end before making serious progress.

Liverpool also suffered a significant blow when Yan Diomande, one of the club's top attacking targets, chose Paris Saint-Germain instead. Missing out on a player who was clearly high on the recruitment shortlist inevitably forced the club back to the drawing board.

It hasn't all been negative. The arrival of Victor Munoz has given supporters something to be excited about. Bringing in a World Cup winner is never a bad way to begin a summer rebuild, and he has all the attributes to become an important player at Anfield.

The problem is that one signing simply isn't enough.

Liverpool still have obvious holes throughout the squad. There are positions that need upgrading, others that lack depth, and several areas where Iraola will want more competition. Even now, it wouldn't be a surprise if the Reds needed another four or five signings before the transfer window closes—and that's assuming nobody else heads for the exit.

There's still time to get the job done, but the margin for error is shrinking. If Liverpool are going to give Iraola the squad he needs to hit the ground running, the pace of their transfer business will have to increase sooner rather than later.

Andoni Iraola has already made it clear that he wants more reinforcements, so there's every expectation that Liverpool will be active over the coming weeks.

The issue is that the clock is ticking. With only six weeks left before the transfer window closes, there's a huge amount of business still to get through.

Midfield is one area Liverpool simply can't afford to ignore this summer.

The biggest piece of business has already been taken care of, with Dominik Szoboszlai committing his future to the club by signing a new deal until 2031. Securing one of the team's most important players for the long term is a huge boost.

Beyond that, though, there are still plenty of question marks.

The futures of Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones remain uncertain. Mac Allister continues to be linked with Real Madrid, while Jones has attracted interest from Nottingham Forest and Inter Milan. Whether either player leaves remains to be seen, but the speculation alone creates uncertainty.

The Reds are still missing a natural holding midfielder. Ryan Gravenberch did an excellent job in the role under Arne Slot, but whether he fits Andoni Iraola's system in the same position remains an open question.

Thankfully, there's also some good news when it comes to players coming back.

Andoni Iraola confirmed in his press conference in Chicago that Stefan Bajcetic is now not far away from being able to train with the first-team, claiming that he is 'close' to training with the group.

Now, Bajcetic was spotted back training with Liverpool and kicking the ball on grass as well as participating in a full training session just a few days after Iraola's press conference.

This is incredible news for Liverpool and a long time coming.

Bajcetic burst onto the scene under Jurgen Klopp, becoming Liverpool's youngest Premier League goalscoring midfielder and looking like one of the club's brightest prospects. Injuries then brought his progress to a halt, with his last club appearance coming in May 2025.

He missed the entirety of last season not playing a single game.

So, it's been over 400 days of not playing for the Spaniard, which is a significant amount of time to miss. However, Liverpool have been careful not to rush him back too soon.

It's now amazing to see him back, and it could not have come at a better time. If Bajcetic can return to the level he was before his injury problems, then Iraola has a perfect player for his high-intensity system.