Liverpool midfielder Luca Stephenson will enter the final year of his contract this summer and has expressed his desire for a “permanent home” after three loans.
Stephenson has spent the past three campaigns away from Liverpool, with his first taste of senior football coming with League Two side Barrow before back-to-back spells with Dundee United.
But the 22-year-old was part of Arne Slot‘s pre-season squad in both of the summers in between those loans, which has led to speculation he could return to the first team.
It is unlikely, but with a year left on his contract and eligible as a homegrown player, there is certainly a decision to make over Stephenson.
Speaking to the Courier upon his departure from Dundee United, the versatile youngster confirmed his intention to find a “permanent home” this summer.
“I’ve only got a year left on my contract at Liverpool, so I think the biggest priority for me is that, in my next step, I find a permanent home,” he explained.
“I’ve done three years on loan and have developed a lot. So I think the next thing needs to be different.
“That could still be at Liverpool, depending on what they are thinking. It could be back up in Scotland or in England – I honestly don’t know the answer to that question.
“But I am keen to get something permanent.”
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
Who is Liverpool’s Luca Stephenson?
Full Name: Luca StephensonAge: 22 (Sep 17, 2003)Height: 5’10” (178cm)Birthplace: Horden, England
Signed From: Sunderland (2018)Position: Midfielder, Right-BackFoot: RightMarket Value: £860k (€991k)
Dundee United have already been credited with an interest in a permanent deal along with Scottish rivals Celtic and Rangers, while closer to home newly promoted Championship side Bolton are among his suitors.
It is a far cry from the situation he found himself in two years ago when, off the back of a impressive but low-profile season at Barrow, he was left searching for his next step.
“When I got back from Barrow, I didn’t really know what the game had for me. What did my football future look like?” he contiued.
“I was still trying to find clubs. I would speak to clubs myself and try to actively put myself in the shop window!
“It has flipped a little bit now, where people are coming to us a lot more than what they used to.
“I always think back to one thing the academy manager always said at Liverpool: ‘Once you’ve hit 100 senior games, I’ll let you know that you’ve made it’.
“I’ve now made more than 100 – a big landmark for me – and I want to keep playing.”