Liverpool starlet Luca Stephenson has expressed his excitement about securing a loan move to Dundee United and admitted witnessing the recent Tayside derby completely sealed the deal.
The 20-year-old has officially joined the Tannadice outfit on a season-long loan, stating that the opportunity to play in the Scottish Premiership is "exactly what he needs" at this stage of his career.
Stephenson, who moved to the Liverpool youth academy from Sunderland at 15, previously captained the under-18 team and became a vital player for the under-21 squad during the 2022-23 season.
Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin described him as a reliable talent with a strong football upbringing, capable of playing both in midfield and at full-back.
Stephenson made 34 appearances on loan for Barrow in England's League Two last season.
And after watching Dundee United's thrilling 2-2 draw against their rivals Dundee in the league opener on August 4, he was eager to pursue a similar opportunity in Scotland.
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Speaking to Dundee United TV, Stephenson, who featured for Liverpool against Arsenal and Manchester United during pre-season, said: “I’m really looking forward to getting started up here. It’s a massive opportunity for me and the next step in my development - playing in big fixtures, in front of massive crowds is exactly what I need to progress my career.
“I watched the Derby and the atmosphere was incredible - if that doesn’t excite you I don’t know what will!
“I like to do my job and help out the person next to me. I’ll play anywhere for the team and give 110% for the manager, I just want to be out there playing. I’ve had a good pre-season against top opposition so whenever the Gaffer is ready to throw me in then I’m ready to put my stamp on the team and the league.”
Goodwin believes he's secured a player with huge potential and highlighted the youngsters versatility as a key reason why he worked hard to bring him to Dundee United.
“Luca is an exciting prospect who arrives at Tannadice with a fabulous pedigree, having spent the entirety of his youth career within an elite-level environment," the Irishman explained.
“His loan spell with Barrow last season was a burgeoning success - he played over 30 times across all competitions, proving his reliability and consistency within the senior game at such a young age.
"As a player, his enthusiasm for his defensive duties are infectious, carrying them out with controlled aggression and intelligence. He compliments this with an outstanding level of technical ability, given the footballing education he has enjoyed with Liverpool.
"Luca can also play in a variety of different positions - a quality which will be vital during an unrelenting league season which will no doubt bring various niggles and knocks to the squad.”
