Exclusive: Aberdeen and Watford in Battle to Sign Former France U21 Goalkeeper Stefan Bajic

Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen have expressed an interest in signing former France Under-21 goalkeeper Stefan Bajic, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

But our sources have also learnt that the former Bristol City shot-stopper is wanted by English Championship side Watford, who have also made initial enquiries about trying to recruit the free agent.

Bajic, 23, was released by the Robins at the end of last season but has yet to find a new club since leaving Ashton gate.

And now the Dons, who will compete in the Europa League this season, have made their intentions clear on looking to get a deal done.

However, they face stiff competition from the Hornets, who are our sources understand have made contact with the player’s representatives about a potential move.

Bajic started his career with his hometown club Saint-Etienne before a brief spell with French Ligue 2 side Paul.

But Bristol City spotted his talents and signed the keeper on a three-year deal in July 2022.

SECOND FIDDLE

Bajic, though, didn’t play a game for the Robins and was forced to play second fiddle to regular keeper Max O’Leary, who is currently facing up to four months on the sidelines following ankle surgery.

The Robins replaced Bajic with 21-year-old Manchester United and Czech Republic international shot-stopper Radek Vitek, who joined the club on a season-long loan deal towards the end of last month.

Our sources understand Bajic is desperate for regular football and happy to fight for his place, whether that’s north or south of the border.

And he’s long been an admirer of the Championship, even though his move to the Robins didn’t work out.

"I know English football because I have watched the Premier League and the Championship on TV,” Bajic once said. 

“The Championship is a great league with a great intensity. It's more physical and more technical.”

But the chance to also potentially play football in Scotland is a big draw for Bajic who, after a lack of match action, is understandably hungry to find a club who will give him the chance to show he was so highly-regarded through France’s international youth set-up.