22-year-old Liverpool midfielder lined up for Rangers move

Liverpool’s model loan pupil this season has been Luca Stephenson.

The 22-year-old homegrown prospect is spending a second season out on loan in the Scottish top flight with Dundee United.

Stephenson - who plays as a right-back or a central midfielder - has once again been among the Tangerines’ best players this term having won the young player of the year award in 2024/25.

The former Sunderland academy player has even worn the captain’s armband for Jim Goodwin’s side during this productive loan spell.

Last summer Stephenson returned to the club following his initial loan deal with Dundee United and spent time with Arne Slot’s first-team squad during pre-season.

He impressed sufficiently to earn a new contract at Anfield before embarking on a second loan at Tannadice. Transfer speculation is now growing around Stephenson with Old Firm pair Celtic and Rangers thought to be keen to add the Englishman.

Last weekend Rangers defeated Dundee United at Ibrox but Stephenson once again stood out for his team. And that display solidified Rangers’ thinking for next season as they plot a deal for him to replace outgoing club legend James Tavernier.

Rangers want Stephenson to replace Tavernier

That’s according to a report in Football Insider which claims Stephenson is a step closer to a move to Glasgow following his exertions last weekend.

“James Tavernier looks even more likely to leave Rangers at the end of his contract this summer as they line up a move to sign Liverpool right-back Luca Stephenson,” the report reads.

“It looks as if Danny Rohl is planning for his exit, with Rangers plotting a move to sign Liverpool youngster Stephenson after his impressive loan spell at Dundee United ends.

“Stephenson was already a part of Rangers’ transfer plans before last weekend, but has moved closer to joining the Glasgow giants after he shone against them at Ibrox.”

Stephenson given Liverpool first-team hope

Liverpool fans would be against losing another homegrown player and one nurtured in their academy.

But intriguingly there is a hint that Stephenson could have a first-team future on Merseyside with Liverpool only prepared to offer a loan deal for Stephenson.

“Rangers are preparing to accelerate a move for Stephenson after they watched him up close on Saturday,” the report continues.

“The 22-year-old would likely only be allowed to join the Gers on loan this summer, but his potential arrival would surely mean that Tavernier is allowed to move on as a club legend.”

Stephenson was linked with a return to Liverpool in January owing to shortages at right-back and a need for options in midfield.

It was decided he would stay put on loan for the season however and hopes are still high for a first-team breakthrough after his next scheduled loan deal expires.

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