Liverpool’s young midfielder Luca Stephenson has dropped hints about a possible return to Dundee United next season. The 21-year-old had an impressive stint with the Scottish Premiership club during the 2024/25 season, playing a key role in their unexpected qualification for Europe.
Stephenson, who joined the Reds’ academy at 15, was one of several young talents mentored by Arne Slot during last summer’s pre-season tour of the United States. After making four appearances during the tour, it was decided that a season-long loan to Scotland would be the best move for his development.
Loan deals can be hit or miss, but in this case, Liverpool’s decision proved to be a masterstroke. Their young midfielder made 34 appearances across all competitions, netting three goals and providing two assists, even bagging the club’s young player of the season award.
Now, Stephenson is poised to return to his parent club, with inevitable discussions looming over the final year of his Anfield contract.
One possibility, should the opportunity arise, could be to stay and vie for a spot with the Premier League champions. However, breaking into their talent-packed midfield – which could potentially include Florian Wirtz – will be no easy task.
Alternatively, he could opt to return to Tannadice Park. After just one season in the Scottish top flight following promotion, Dundee United are now gearing up for UEFA competition.
Whether they’ll be vying in the Europa League or Conference League at the second qualifying round depends on the Scottish Cup final outcome.
Quizzed in a club interview relayed by BBC Sport about his eagerness to rejoin, the 21-year-old cautiously expressed: “Maybe, maybe.”
Delving into further details seems to be off-limits for now as he confided: “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.”
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Reflecting on his term north of the border, he conceded that it surpassed his anticipations: “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.”
Although Stephenson hasn’t yet broken into the senior squad of his home club, he boasts of competing in over 70 youth-level encounters.
Regrettably, he had to undergo an operation to correct a double hernia last month, sidelining him for the season’s last five matches; however, he’s optimistic about bouncing back for pre-season.
