2025/26 has so far not been a vintage season for those hoping to see Liverpool youngsters given a chance in the senior team.
The Reds have a long and proud tradition of blooding talents from the academy, but that has not been seen too much during a miserable campaign.
Strangely, the season has also been a disappointing one for those Liverpool youngsters who have headed away from the club on loan.
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The Reds will reportedly recall both Owen Beck and James McConnell after poor stints away from Anfield, and the highly-rated pair are not the only ones to struggle.
There has at least been one big success story, with Luca Stephenson’s second spell in Scotland with Dundee United going just as well as his first. However, while the 22-year-old continues to impress North of the border, Liverpool have seemingly decided that he has no future with the Reds.
Liverpool ready to sell Luca Stephenson
Stephenson has done well in consecutive pre-seasons for Liverpool, and has also translated that form into the regular campaign with Dundee.
Four goals and three assists in the Premiership so far have made him a standout player for United, as he continues to show his versatility, quality and potential.
According to The Athletic, though, his status as Dundee’s best player this season is unlikely to see him have a future with Liverpool.
Stephenson’s value is said to be growing, and the Reds are reportedly expected to sanction his permanent exit during the summer.
Championship clubs are claimed to be registering interest in the midfielder, and it looks likely that he will move on.
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Is there any way back for Stephenson?
Although excelling for Dundee United and doing the same for Liverpool are two very different things, there is an argument that Arne Slot should have kept Stephenson around this season.
His ability to play at right-back and in midfield would have helped cover two problem areas for the Reds this season.
Nevertheless, it appears that Liverpool have internally decided that Stephenson will not quite be good enough to reach the level required at Anfield.
Slot was seemingly a big fan of his while working with him across two pre-seasons, but that will ultimately not translate into anything further.
But while there appears to be no way back Stephenson at Liverpool, the Reds will still hope to see his good performances continue in the hope of banking a decent fee for him in six months’ time.
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