Luca Stephenson: Championship club edge Rangers in race to sign departing Liverpool player
Luca Stephenson has emerged as a top target for multiple Championship clubs alongside Rangers this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
The 22-year-old has spent the last two seasons on loan at Dundee United, but will now return to Liverpool before seeking a permanent move when the window opens.
A number of clubs in Scotland have been keeping tabs on him, but English Championship sides are now seen as the favourites to get a deal over the line.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Rangers appear to have distanced themselves from the race in recent weeks.
Despite keeping a close eye on his performances for Dundee United this season, Danny Rohl’s side could walk away, with other targets in mind ahead of a big window for Rangers.
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VISIT THE RANGERS TRANSFER HUBWhat is Rangers’ stance on signing Luca Stephenson?
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider last month that Rangers were impressed by Stephenson after his performance for Dundee United at Ibrox.
More recently, he has been tipped as a long-term successor for departing right-back James Tavernier, but other options are believed to be higher on their list.
| Luca Stephenson | 2025-26 Stats |
| Appearances | 33 |
| Starts | 32 |
| Minutes Played | 2813 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 5 |
With Rangers seemingly backing away from the race, there is a growing expectation that the Liverpool man will move to the Championship next season.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “He’s somebody they did look at and were keeping tabs on, Luca Stephenson, due to his form on loan at Dundee United.
“I don’t think anything’s developed on that one. They haven’t stepped up that interest.
“There’s a lot of interest in Stephenson from some English Championship clubs who are probably leading the race for him right now as well.
“Rangers did look at him, but I don’t think they’ve pursued it anymore and haven’t really followed up on their initial interest.
“So, as things stand right now, if Stephenson is to move in the summer it’s probably more likely he’ll move to the EFL in England.
“There’s a number of clubs ready to offer him a move away from Anfield.”
How does Stephenson feel about leaving Liverpool?
Stephenson had enjoyed an impressive spell at Tannadice Park before suffering a hamstring injury which will have him sidelined until the end of the season.
He had previously been tipped to return to Liverpool for pre-season in an attempt to impress Arne Slot and get into his first-team plans at Anfield.
However, Football Insider revealed on 1 May that Stephenson is now ready to leave Liverpool in search of a permanent destination when the window opens.
After two years away on loan, the 22-year-old is keen to establish some stability in his career and is eyeing a number of potential landing spots.
A return to Scotland was on the cards, with Celtic interested alongside their Old Firm rivals, but moving to England is now most likely for Stephenson.
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