Game over as Liverpool midfielder decides to leave

Liverpool are facing considerable upheaval in the summer transfer window.

Following on from their £450m transfer spend last summer Arne Slot’s side have suffered a disappointing campaign.

There will be consequences with new players being lined up to come into the club - with the expectation that the Reds get back to their best in 2026/27.

It would be no surprise to see midfielders added to the squad as Arne Slot has bee relying on the same options for the last couple of seasons.

The Dutchman is getting diminishing returns from the likes of Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch.

Furthermore there is contract uncertainty to solve over Curtis Jones and that’s why we’ve seen players like Adam Wharton and Eduardo Camavinga once again linked. If new midfielders arrive it’s going to have a knock-on effect on several Liverpool hopefuls.

Luca Stephenson to leave Liverpool

Luca Stephenson for example might have at one stage thought he would get a chance in the first team - especially after catching Arne Slot’s eye in preseason.

The 22-year-old signed a new contract before embarking on a second loan spell with Dundee United in the Scottish top flight.

The versatile midfielder-cum-right-back was even linked with an early return from loan in January when Liverpool were experiencing selection difficulties.

His season has since been curtailed due to a hamstring injury but he was mightily impressive for the Tangerines before that.

Stephenson may well have fancied his chances of making an impression on his parent club this summer but a report in Football Insider now claims that the midfielder is eyeing up a transfer away.

Stephenson doesn't believe he can make a breakthrough

Previously linked with Rangers and Celtic it looks like Old Firm interest for now has dried up but that won’t stop Stephenson from seeking pastures new.

“He’s somebody that Rangers did look at and were keeping tabs on, Luca Stephenson, due to his form on loan at Dundee United,” the report reads.

“He’s had his season ended by a new injury at Dundee United, but up until then he was having a fine season for the Tannadice club.

“Long-term, Stephenson is ready to leave Liverpool on a permanent basis.

“He wants to find a permanent home and nail down a place in the starting XI on a regular basis as well, and he doesn’t think he will get that at Liverpool.

“So there are a number of clubs on alert and ready to offer him a move away from Anfield.”

It remains to be seen where Stephenson ends up but let’s hope that Arne Slot and Richard Hughes don’t come to regret their treatment of him.

Capable of playing right-back, right wing-back as well as central midfield he is precisely the type of useful squad player who could be worth keeping around.

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