Richard Hughes ready to take unpopular transfer decision

Liverpool fans have grown a little frustrated with seeing the club’s best academy talents walk out the door.

Last summer they had to say goodbye to emerging prospects as well as top stars forged at Anfield. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Caoimhin Kelleher and Jarell Quansah were all allowed to depart - all taking a little bit of Liverpool DNA with them.

Tyler Morton and Trent Kone-Doherty have since left the club - with fans up in arms about the loss of midfielder Morton in particular. Richard Hughes isn’t winning any friends among the fanbase with these deals but they are necessary from a “pure profit” standpoint.

And in the case of players like Quansah and Kelleher they are always going to want first-team football even if it means getting it elsewhere.

Well now there is a genuine risk of another impressive homegrown talent LEAVING in summer.

Celtic and Rangers want Luca Stephenson

Football Insider is reporting that Luca Stephenson will be permitted to leave so long as the right offer comes along.

Stephenson, 22, has been impressive once again on loan in the Scottish top flight with Dundee United. The midfielder-cum-defender has even captained the Tangerines - a lofty accolade given he’s only a loan player.

But for the second season in succession Stephenson is making a big impact with Dundee United and it’s now brought him on the radar of Celtic and Rangers.

“Rangers and Celtic have joined the race to sign Liverpool star Luca Stephenson after keeping tabs on his performances for Dundee United,” the report reads.

“The 22-year-old has impressed in the Scottish Premiership this season with the Old Firm clubs now tracking his progress ahead of a potential summer move.

“Despite being highly regarded at Anfield, the right-back has spent the last two seasons at Tannadice Park, and could be allowed to move on permanently for the right price.

“After an impressive season on loan at Dundee United, interest in the 22-year-old is expected to skyrocket in the summer, with clubs in England also interested.”

Liverpool should keep Stephenson around

Stephenson returned to Liverpool last summer in a transfer limbo - expecting to be sold. But he fought his way into Arne Slot’s pre-season plans - and even ended up signing a new contract before heading out on loan again.

Given Liverpool’s shortages at right-back, in midfield and their requirements for a wing-back there is an argument that Stephenson is exactly the kind of player to keep around.

He could be a useful squad option - covering multiple positions and coming into the first-team picture for zero cost. Alas it now appears he will have no future at the club if the right bid is made.

Let’s hope Richard Hughes doesn’t end up regretting this one as we have seen in the case of Morton.

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