Dundee, Scotland – The Scottish Premiership is bracing for a fierce summer transfer battle as both Celtic and Rangers have entered the race to sign Liverpool’s 22-year-old midfielder, Luca Stephenson, permanently. Reports from Football Insider indicate that both Old Firm clubs are closely monitoring Stephenson’s performances while on loan at Dundee United.
Stephenson, a product of Sunderland’s academy and a former England youth international, has quickly established himself as one of the most intriguing young talents in Scottish football during his two seasons at Tannadice Park. Liverpool signed him to a long-term contract in August 2025, but with a deep squad already at Anfield, the club may be willing to consider offers for the player, particularly if he continues to develop.
Rangers and Celtic Eyeing Stephenson as a Key Addition
The interest from Celtic and Rangers is significant. Rangers view Stephenson as a potential long-term replacement for their captain, while Celtic are assessing whether he fits into their existing midfield structure. Both clubs are reportedly preparing formal bids for the summer transfer window, setting the stage for a competitive pursuit of the young player’s signature.
Stephenson’s versatility is a major draw for both clubs. He’s capable of playing both in defensive midfield and at right-back, offering tactical flexibility to any manager. This adaptability, combined with his growing leadership qualities – recently demonstrated by captaining Dundee United against Motherwell – makes him a highly sought-after prospect.
Stephenson’s Impressive 2025/26 Season
The 2025/26 Scottish Premiership season saw Stephenson take his game to another level. In 25 appearances, he scored four goals and provided three assists, accumulating 2,209 minutes of playing time. His performances earned him a FotMob rating of 6.98, showcasing his consistent contribution to Dundee United. Over his two seasons with the club, he’s made a total of 66 appearances, improving his goal involvement from five last season to nine this term. This progression demonstrates he’s not a one-season wonder, but a player consistently improving his game.
A Cost-Effective Opportunity?
Currently valued at just €900,000 by Transfermarkt, Stephenson represents a potentially shrewd investment for either Celtic or Rangers. However, as one analyst pointed out, simply acquiring talent isn’t enough; a clear plan for integrating him into the team is crucial to avoid a wasteful recruitment.
While his six yellow cards this season suggest a certain level of aggression – a trait that could be well-suited to the physicality of Scottish football – there’s a potential concern that this could lead to disciplinary issues under the stricter officiating standards of Champions League matches.
Celtic’s Position: A Tactical Fit or a Luxury?
The situation is particularly interesting for Celtic. The club already boasts a wealth of options in wide areas and midfield. Adding Stephenson would only build sense if manager Martin O’Neill, or his successor, envisions a specific role for him that leverages his defensive capabilities. Simply expecting him to replicate his current attacking output at a higher intensity every week might be unrealistic.
Rangers, may be able to offer Stephenson a clearer pathway to becoming a key player, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding the long-term future of their current captain. This could be a decisive factor in Stephenson’s decision-making process.
What’s Next for Luca Stephenson?
As the summer transfer window approaches, the battle for Luca Stephenson’s signature is set to intensify. Both Celtic and Rangers will likely be closely monitoring his remaining performances for Dundee United, assessing his form and suitability for their respective squads. The player himself will be weighing his options, considering where he can best develop his career and contribute to a winning team.
The next confirmed checkpoint will be the opening of the summer transfer window, expected in June 2026. Fans of both Celtic and Rangers will be eagerly awaiting updates on this developing story, as the outcome could significantly impact their teams’ prospects for the 2026/27 season.
What do you think? Which Scottish giant would be the best fit for Luca Stephenson? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
