Liverpool
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As Liverpool’s first team continues its pursuit of Premier League glory under Arne Slot and deals with the ‘Contract Three’ saga, the club’s extensive loan program has seen plenty of players thrive this season – while some have inevitably struggled.
Ben Doak has been a real bright spark for Middlesbrough and Michael Carrick, although injury has disrupted his recent progress.
Stefan Bacjetic has reignited his career with Las Palmas and has been receiving some effusive praise from Spanish media since his January transfer.
But another youngster in Luca Stephenson, a product of Liverpool’s academy since 2018, has been thriving during his loan spell at Dundee United this season.
The 21-year-old, who began his youth career at Sunderland, has made a significant impact in Scotland since joining in August 2024.
Stephenson has become a regular fixture in Dundee United’s lineup, amassing 27 league starts and 30 total appearances. His contributions have been noteworthy, with three goals and two assists to his name.
Demonstrating his versatility, he has featured in midfield and occasionally as a wing-back, drawing praise from manager Jim Goodwin for his “fabulous pedigree” and ability to “excel in multiple roles”.
Highlights of Stephenson’s campaign include a crucial goal in a 2-0 victory over St Johnstone and a match-winning assist against Hibernian.
His consistent performances have been instrumental in Dundee United’s push for a top-three finish in the Scottish Premiership, with the young talent accumulating over 2000 minutes of senior football this season.
Luca Stephenson. Getty Images
While Stephenson’s contract with Liverpool runs until 2027, his impressive form has caught the attention of Dundee United’s management.
And it sounds like the player is keen to move on from Anfield and establish himself as a first-team regular at Dundee or elsewhere.
Speaking on his future, as quoted by the Courier, Stephenson acknowledges there is a decision to make in the summer:
“I’ve been in a little bit of conversation.”
“I don’t 100% know yet, I’ll have one year left on my deal at Liverpool next year.”
“So there’s a conversation to be had there of whether there’ll be a new contract on the table down there or not,” he explained.
“Then it’s probably just about early summer time – as soon as our season finishes – having a look at what’s best for me, whether it’s back here, whether it’s backing out of Liverpool to play somewhere else.”
He then suggested that if you arent a Conor Bradley or Jarell Quansah, there comes a time where one should look to leave Anfield:
“You can only get so much out of a club like Liverpool as a young player sometimes if you’re not going to be a Conor Bradley or a Jarell Quansah,” he admitted honestly.
“If you’re not going to be one of those players and you’re just going to be in the background, maybe getting a start in the League Cup, I don’t think that benefits you much in the long run.
“I think doing what I’ve done over the past two years is a lot more beneficial for a young player.
“That’s not everybody’s opinion, but it’s definitely mine. Hopefully, I’ll tick off the last however many games are left in the season and I’m looking at 80 appearances over two seasons.”
It would not be a surprise of Stephenson is moved on in the summer.
With the sales of Sepp van den Berg, Harvey Vale, and Fabio Carvalho last year, the club has shown they are willing to move on fringe players.
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