Not only will key Liverpool players be at centre of transfer debates this summer, fringe stars will have to decide what is best too
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Luca Stephenson of Liverpool
Luca Stephenson of Liverpool(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool midfielder Luca Stephenson has hinted that he could return to Dundee United next season. The 21-year-old spent the 2024/25 campaign with the Scottish Premiership club, impressing greatly as they defied the odds to qualify for Europe.
Stephenson, a member of the Reds' academy since the age of 15, was one of several youngsters Arne Slot took under his wing during last summer's pre-season tour of the United States. He made four appearances during that stretch, before it was decided a season on loan to Scotland was his best course of development.
Loans don't always work out, but in this case Liverpool's agreement was a masterstroke. Their midfielder has made 34 appearances in all competitions, scoring three and assisting a further two goals, and even picked up the club's young player of the season award.
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So, Stephenson is now set to return to his parent club, where there are inevitable discussions to be had about the single year remaining on his Anfield contract.
One option, if the offer were there, would be to stay and fight for his place with the Premier League champions. Their engine room is stacked with quality to usurp - a pool that may end up growing should Florian Wirtz make a decision in the Reds' favour.
Or another could be return to Tannadice Park where, after just one season in the Scottish top flight following promotion, Dundee United are now preparing to join the UEFA competition.
At this stage it is dependant on the Scottish Cup final result whether they enter the Europa League or Conference League at the second qualifying round.
And asked if he fancies a piece of the action in a club interview via BBC Sport, the 21-year-old admitted: "Maybe, maybe.
"I can't say too much on it yet. I don't know everything that's going on.
"There's going to be a lot of movement, a lot of talk over the summer, but we'll see what happens."
Reflecting on his season in Scotland, he added: "It was far in advance of anything I expected. I've played a lot of games but feel like they've been good minutes as well."
Stephenson is yet to make a senior appearance for his parent club but has over 70 matches' worth of experience in the youth levels.
He also was forced into surgery on a double hernia last month to miss the final five matches of the season, but is hopeful of returning in time for pre-season as a result.