Liverpool midfielder Luca Stephenson has rejected speculation over a mid-season return, instead maintaining his focus with current loan club Dundee United.
Stephenson was watched by Liverpool’s loan staff during Sunday’s 1-1 draw with league leaders Hearts, and will no doubt have impressed as he scored the equalising goal.
A brilliant, guided header from a corner, it was his third goal of the season so far having started all 10 games since rejoining Dundee United on loan in August.
Though a natural midfielder, Stephenson has excelled as a right-back or wing-back in recent seasons and the presence of Liverpool officials at Tynecastle has led to speculation over a recall in January.
But speaking to the Courier after Sunday’s game, the 22-year-old insisted he was committed to Dundee United for the campaign.
“I want to stick around for the full season here,” he explained.
“It doesn’t matter how well I’m doing or how well I did last season, when I join a club, I commit to a full season.
“I almost try and forget about being a Liverpool player a little bit. I’m a Dundee United player and that’s my only concern.”
Liverpool face big decision over Stephenson’s future
2XW7W0T 18th August 2024; Tannadice Park, Dundee, Scotland: Scottish Premier Sports Cup Football, Dundee United versus St Mirren; Luca Stephenson of Dundee United making his debut after signing on loan from Liverpool Credit: Action Plus Sports Images/Alamy Live News
The chances of Liverpool bringing Stephenson back in January were slim, but he could be viewed as a long-term option if he continues to develop this season.
Conor Bradley is currently established as first-choice right-back but Jeremie Frimpong has faced injury problems, meaning Dominik Szoboszlai and, in the Carabao Cup, Calvin Ramsay have filled in.
Arne Slot clearly admires Stephenson, having involved him in both of his pre-seasons in charge so far, and the club tied him down to a new long-term contract before he returned to Scotland.
His performances this season will be of paramount importance when it comes to any decision over his next step – even if his future lies away from Anfield.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, August 4, 2025: Liverpool's Luca Stephenson during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Athletic Bilbao at Anfield. Liverpool won 4-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
There were no shortage of suitors both in England and Scotland over the summer and having proved himself a standout performer in the Scottish Premiership would no doubt attract further interest next year.
For now, though, he can continue his progress at Dundee United, using his experience of training with Slot’s squad to his benefit.
“Where I’ve come from in the past couple of years – playing and training at Liverpool – I don’t really fear playing against anybody,” he continued.
‘I’ve trained against the best in the world’
HONG KONG - Thursday, July 24, 2025: Liverpool's Luca Stephenson (L) challenges Cody Gakpo during a training session at the Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong ahead of the Hong Kong Football Festival 2025 pre-season tournament, on Day Four of the club's Asia Tour. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“When I’m training with the best in the world every day, it’s natural to gain confidence. If I can get through a 11 vs. 11 against Luis Diaz, I can get through a 11 vs. 11 playing against anybody in this league.
“The three I played against in the summer and throughout pre-season would have been Diaz, Wirtz and Gakpo – which is a decent range of players!
“People like to speak about the negatives of bringing in lads from the big academies, but I also think it does bring that inner belief.
“If you can control that, and make sure it’s not an arrogance, and then that can be a big positive.”
Stephenson recently admitted playing through “screaming pain” for the last four months.