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Liverpool may have to get the chequebook out this summer as they prepare for a busy transfer market.

The Reds have been incredibly quiet since four players were signed in the summer of 2023, adding only two more across each of the past three windows.

That is going to have to change this year, as Arne Slot looks to do some major surgery on the Liverpool squad.

Despite the Reds looking likely to win the Premier League title in May, there is a decent argument that upgrades are needed in defence, midfield and attack.

The latter of those categories is perhaps the most pressing at this moment in time, with Liverpool heavily linked with Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.

After racking up 23 goals for the Magpies this season, there have been suggestions that Isak could cost as much as £150m this summer.

But although the Liverpool owners may baulk at such a price-tag, they could also have a secret weapon up their sleeve which will allow them to reach it.

Photo By Joaquin Corchero/Europa Press via Getty Images

As well as the attack needing to be bolstered, there is a very strong case that Slot could really do with bringing in a new central midfielder this summer.

Ryan Gravenberch has been brilliant but has been running on empty for the past couple of months.

As Slot does not trust Wataru Endo to start key games, there is no one to give Gravenberch a break.

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Liverpool have been linked with Angelo Stiller and other players who could come in and challenge Gravenberch for his starting spot, but any signing is going to set the Reds back tens of millions.

Given the costly nature of any deal for Isak, this is arguably money that Liverpool could do with putting towards the big Swede instead.

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As a result, it’s clear that an internal solution may be the best one for Slot here.

And, as it happens, Liverpool already have the perfect candidate: Stefan Bajcetic.

Bajcetic has been likened to Sergio Busquets for his performances on-loan at Las Palmas since January and having also turned in a top display for Spain U21s against Germany this week, he looks ready to be involved again for Liverpool.

There’s no need to go out and spend millions, Bajcetic is primed to slot straight in next season.

While the numbers in midfield have been a slight problem this season, it’s clear that the ‘exceptional’ Bajcetic is a ready-made solution.

The Spaniard’s return to the Liverpool squad should then allow Slot and Richard Hughes to go all in to solve the glaring problem which has stifled the Reds this year.

£150m is a lot to pay for any player, no less one with so little experience at the very, very top of the game.

But at this stage, Isak looks like the man who can take Liverpool up another level almost immediately.

It is not really in the Reds wheelhouse to spend such a huge sum, but as they showed with Moises Caicedo in 2023, they can dip into the pot if they feel the player is the right one.

But as happened with Jude Bellingham that same summer, Liverpool cannot make multiple signings for big amounts all at the same time.

And in Bajcetic, they have a secret weapon who can ensure the money gets spent where it needs to.
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