Liverpool tipped to land 'considerable transfer fee' with Michael Edwards trick

Liverpool midfielder Luca Stephenson has impressed in his two years at Dundee United, with manager Jim Goodwin making a prediction ahead of the summer transfer window

Rangers defender Jayden Meghoma vies with Luca Stephenson of Dundee United(Image: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Luca Stephenson has been tipped to earn Liverpool a significant transfer fee this summer, after a very impressive two years at Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership.

Across his two seasons at Tannardice, Stephenson has racked up eight goals and seven assists in 67 appearances. In the 2024/25 campaign, he was named Dundee's Young Player of the Year and they were desperate to keep hold of him for another 12 months.

But Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin believes that he has done so well under his guidance that the Tangerines are likely to be priced out of a move for the Liverpool ace on a permanent basis.

"Can (Luca) come back again? Honestly, my feeling is that Luca wants to be somewhere permanently," Goodwin told The Courier.

"He has been on loan for a few successive seasons — his time at Dundee United is the longest he’s stayed anywhere for a considerable period.

"I'd expect him to want that stability and chance to kick on. Luca is under contract at Liverpool and, given how well he’s done here, I think that would be a considerable transfer fee."

Stephenson during the pre-season friendly between Liverpool and Athletic Club(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

Last summer, Stephenson played a big role for the Reds in pre-season, often filling in at right-back. However, Arne Slot was honest in his assessment that chances would be hard to come by once the Premier League resumed.

"Obviously I was away in Asia for a couple of weeks with Liverpool pre-season, so I paid no attention to anything really," Stephenson said a few weeks into his second loan in Scotland.

"The minute I was told I could get myself back out on loan again, it all happened in a couple of days, really. My thoughts didn't go anywhere else except for Dundee United.

"Being on loan, it's not the easiest thing in the world, knowing you're only going to be in places for a short amount of time, a year here, a year there. I wanted to be somewhere I was happy, I was comfortable.

"I liked the dressing room, I liked the manager, and I wanted to be somewhere where I was appreciated for another year.

"I just felt the support was massive last year from everybody at the club, and I thought if it was another loan, then why not have another go at it?"

Liverpool.com says: Stephenson has done brilliantly at Dundee United but a permanent move would be a good idea. The question is where, though there shouldn't be a shortage of suitors.

Over the years, Liverpool has done very well with getting good value for young players, including the likes of Rhian Brewster and Jordon Ibe when Michael Edwards was sporting director. This deal won't be of the same level, but should still be a decent chunk of change.