Arsenal
Liverpool midfielder Luca Stephenson impressed as a makeshift centre-back of their opening pre-season pleasant, and the membership face a call over his future.
Stephenson was certainly one of seven academy representatives concerned as Liverpool visited Preston on Sunday, partnering Joe Gomez at centre-back.
Whereas it was not the primary time the 21-year-old has stuffed the function in his fledging profession, it’s a far cry from the place he’s most snug having developed as a midfielder and most frequently performed at right-back of late.
However he caught the attention together with his composure on the again throughout a primary half that noticed him assist Giorgi Mamardashvili hold a clear sheet.
His place within the squad got here with each Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate rested and Jarell Quansah but to get replaced, and it stays to be seen if Arne Slot has long-term plans for Stephenson.
Nonetheless a call will have to be made on the teen’s future a method or one other, as he has now entered the ultimate yr of his contract.
After spending final season on mortgage at Dundee United, Stephenson has already expressed a willingness to affix the Scottish membership on a everlasting foundation.
There may be confirmed curiosity from Jim Goodwin’s aspect however any transfer will hinge on talks between Liverpool and the participant’s representatives.
“There must be some dialog about whether or not it’s staying at Liverpool for a brand new deal or whether or not it’s going elsewhere,” Stephenson informed DUTV in April.
“Clearly I do not know on the minute the place that’ll be, whether or not it might be again [to Dundee United]whether or not it might be someplace else.
“The yr I’ve had right here, if I can replicate that once more, I don’t see any motive why I wouldn’t need to play my soccer again up right here.”
Stephenson made 34 appearances on mortgage at Tannadice Park however was compelled to overlook the tip of the marketing campaign having suffered a double hernia, however Dundee United nonetheless managed to succeed in this season’s Convention League qualifiers in his absence.
That might add to the attraction of becoming a member of on a everlasting foundation, however chatting with the Courier earlier this month, Goodwin admitted there can be competitors for his signature.
“I’ve made my emotions clear about Luca and the way vital a participant he was final season for us,” the supervisor defined.
“He’s one which we’re chatting with, however there’s no ensures.
“Luca’s performances final season have caught the attention of quite a lot of different groups. So, we simply have to be affected person with that one.”
Liverpool might but hand Stephenson a brand new contract, and are more likely to make a proposal to take action regardless, together with his versatility and the actual fact he’s eligible as a homegrown participant making him a invaluable asset.
