"The teenager who beat Brexit..." - How Liverpool's remarkable deal for Bajcetic almost didn't happen

Liverpool completed the signing of Stefan Bajcetic in 2020, paying under £250,000 for the midfielder. But the club were just one day away from an immediate deal not happening.

The Spain youth international joined the Reds from Spanish side Celta Vigo for a total fee of £224,000, and initially joined up with the youth team at the club.

This season, Bajcetic has been promoted to the first team, and has played a significant role for Jurgen Klopp's side since the World Cup.

He started Monday's 2-0 win over Everton in the Merseyside derby, playing in a defensive midfield role. He was given the player of the match award by Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports, and Klopp praised his display after the match.

He has now started five consecutive matches for the Reds amid the side's midfield struggles, and may provide a key long-term solution for the club without them having to spend big money in the transfer market on a player in his position.

However, Liverpool had to act rapidly to complete an immediate move for Bajcetic back in 2020.

Liverpool almost missed out on Bajcetic deal

When Bajcetic joined the club, aged 16, he was able to join up with the Reds immediately. That was because, at the time, European Union regulations stated that players under the age of 18 could obtain overseas visas in order to join clubs in another EU country.

But Britain officially left the EU in 2020, and the Premier League announced it would enforce new regulations relating to overseas visas.

Therefore, as per The Telegraph, Liverpool had to rush to seal the deal on December 31, knowing that if they waited until the following day, Bajcetic would only be able to move to Anfield when he turned 18, as per the new regulations which came into force on January 1, 2021. Had that happened, he would have joined the club on January 1, 2023.

He was also the final academy player to join a Premier League club under the old regulations.

The Spaniard was also linked with a move to Manchester United, but the Reds acted quickly to beat off competition for the player's signature, and completed a transfer for one of the Premier League's top young stars.