Liverpool midfielder Luca Stephenson, who has been a regular under Arne Slot in pre-season, is wanted by at least six clubs including interest in a permanent deal.
Stephenson has been a favourite of Slot’s throughout his pre-season preparations, having proved to the head coach that he can be a reliable figure last year.
The 21-year-old has played at right-back, centre-back and in midfield during Liverpool’s warmup fixtures so far and is expected to feature in Monday’s double-header against Athletic Club.
But having gone unused in the 3-1 win over Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan, the likelihood is that Stephenson will leave the club again this summer.
At least five clubs hold an interest in a loan, with Dundee United already confirmed to be eyeing a renewed deal after his successful spell last season while Swansea, Cardiff, Reading and Rotherham are also suitors.
And following Stephenson’s success in the Scottish Premiership last term, the Liverpool Echo‘s Ian Doyle reports that Aberdeen are considering a permanent offer.
Liverpool and Aberdeen have built a positive relationship in recent years including a loan move for midfielder Leighton Clarkson which paved the way for a long-term switch to Pittodrie.
2M8X00K Glasgow, Scotland, UK. 15th January 2023; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland: Scottish Viaplay Cup Football Semi Final, Rangers versus Aberdeen; Leighton Clarkson of Aberdeen Credit: Action Plus Sports Images/Alamy Live News
Like Stephenson at Dundee United, Clarkson won the Young Player of the Year award in his initial spell at Aberdeen and became a fans’ favourite.
Whether Liverpool will be open to a sale at this stage is unclear and much could hinge on Slot’s own decision over his future.
Though he is clearly admired within the first-team setup, turning 22 next month it could be a pivotal juncture for a player who already has 68 senior appearances under his belt during loans at Barrow and then Dundee United.
HONG KONG - Monday, July 21, 2025: Liverpool's Ben Doak and Luca Stephenson during a team walk along the Avenue of Stars after the squad arrived at the Rosewood Hotel in Hong Kong ahead of the Hong Kong Football Festival 2025 pre-season tournament. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The situation is clouded by the fact Stephenson’s contract is set to expire in 2026, meaning if he were to head out on loan again he would need to first sign an extension.
Last month, The Athletic‘s Gregg Evans reported that this was the most likely eventuality, with Slot said to be keen to monitor his progress elsewhere for another season.
But knowing he has less than 12 months left on his terms at Liverpool may encourage Aberdeen that a bargain deal could be struck.
A third scenario remains in that Stephenson could in fact stay on Merseyside as a first-team option, with his new eligibility as a homegrown player particularly useful in the Premier League.
With Tyler Morton set to close on a £15 million move to Lyon and James McConnell due to depart on loan, there may be a vacancy for a young, versatile midfielder in Slot’s wider squad.
Morton travelled to France to undergo a medical with the Ligue 1 club on Saturday, with Liverpool negotiating a 20 percent sell-on clause in their deal.