Liverpool ace makes loan switch after 'frightening' pre-season under Arne Slot

Liverpool youngster Luca Stephenson has sealed a season-long loan with Dundee United having featured sporadically during pre-season under Arne Slot. 

The versatile midfielder, who can play as a No.6, right-back or centre-back, spent last term on loan with League Two side Barrow, making an impressive 34 appearances across all competitions.

He was used by new Liverpool head coach Slot during pre-season with a number of senior players missing due to international commitments and he featured in all three matches on the pre-season tour of the United States.

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The 20-year-old also made a cameo in the 4-1 win over Sevilla on Slot's Anfield debut last Sunday.

However, securing a loan move for the 2024/25 campaign will help Stephenson develop and Scottish Premiership outfit Dundee United have managed to capture his signature for the season.

Luca Stephenson reveals 'frightening' pre-season

Speaking on his arrival at Dundee United, Stephenson revealed the 'frightening' levels of Liverpool's pre-season ahead of the upcoming campaign.

"The level can sometimes be frightening, but it will only make you better in the long term," admitted the academy prospect. "In the first couple of sessions, you do think, 'I’m a little bit off the level'.

"But you get used to it and the things you learn can only stand you in good stead for coming out on loan.

"I can name-drop a lot after pre-season out in America; Mo Salah, [Virgil] van Dijk and co., they aren’t bad company to be sharing a pitch with!

"The things you learn from them are invaluable – and impossible to get from any other level."

Stephenson is not the only youngster that has made a loan move away from Merseyside this summer, with full-back duo Calvin Ramsay and Luke Chambers joining League One Wigan Athletic. Lewis Koumas has also teamed up with Championship side Stoke City for the year.

Recent reports have suggested that Liverpool are willing to sanction loan deals for other academy graduates, including Stefan Bajcetic and Ben Doak.