‘Liverpool make Luca Stephenson exit decision with contract talks underway’
Liverpool boss Arne Slot is deciding on the futures of the Anfield club’s young talents ahead of the Premier League season.
While Slot has strengthened his first-team squad with high-profile signings such as Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez, 20-year-old midfielder James McConnell is set to leave Liverpool on loan.
Fellow academy product Luca Stephenson made 34 appearances while on loan with Scottish Premiership club Dundee United last season.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are closing in on Hugo Ekitike, as Slot continues to strengthen his forward line to help the Reds retain their Premier League title.
Stephenson set for further Liverpool loan exit
Having failed to score while on loan with League Two side Barrow in 2023/24, Stephenson enjoyed a more successful spell with Dundee United last term.
The versatile midfielder notched three goals and two assists in 31 Scottish Premiership appearances, helping Jim Goodwin’s men finish fourth.
Meanwhile, The Athletic revealed on Tuesday, 22 July, that Stephenson is set to agree a contract extension at Anfield before making another loan exit.
The report adds that his current del expires next summer, while Liverpool have taken him on their pre-season tour.
Slot makes the right call on Stephenson
Football Insider verdict
Stephenson showed promise while on loan with Goodwin’s men north of the border last season, so Slot is making the correct decision by entering contract negotiations with the 21-year-old.
| Luca Stephenson stats | Scottish Premiership 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 31 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 2 |
But while the Liverpool academy graduate has a bright future ahead of him, he would struggle to break into the Reds’ senior team, amid competition from top talents such as Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch.
Slot’s impressive strength in depth ensured that England Under-21 star man Harvey Elliott endured a lack of game time for the Merseyside giants last term, which is a fate that Stephenson should be eager to avoid.
Therefore, the reigning Premier League champions are making the right call by allowing Stephenson to further develop his game elsewhere, while also keeping his talent on their books.
Meanwhile, iconic commentator Ian Darke has tipped former Juventus star Federico Chiesa to make a permanent Anfield exit in a Liverpool News 247 exclusive.