Club
Remembering Gordon Wallace
14th March 2026
Dundee United are delighted to announce the return of Luca Stephenson on a season-long loan from English Premier League side Liverpool.
The deal is subject to both international and SFA clearance.
After arriving at Tannadice last August, the tenacious Reds prospect was a revelation for the Terrors from the outset of his time in tangerine.
He marked his Scottish Premiership debut with a match-winning strike against St Johnstone - the first senior goal of his flourishing career.
Winning the hearts of the United faithful with his combative and energetic displays, the versatile Stephenson cemented himself as an integral part of a side which began to strengthen their grip on the Top Six thereafter.
The 21-year-old was a metronomic figure in the engine room whilst also contributing directly to our early season successes in the final third as Jim Goodwin’s men tasted defeat on just four occasions before the turn of the year.
He stabbed home a crucial, stoppage-time equaliser against European rivals Hibernian in an unforgettable last-gasp triumph over the Edinburgh outfit, then thundered a diving header beyond Ross County stopper Ross Laidlaw two weeks later - an effort which would receive a nomination for our Goal of the Season.
After featuring in every match between Matchday Three and 33, the Durham-born star’s Tayside adventure was curtailed prematurely as he succumbed to a double hernia, which he had courageously battled through for four months of the term to push United towards UEFA Europa Conference League qualification.
Despite this, just three players aged 21 or under put more competitive minutes under their belt in the top flight during 2024/25.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Stephenson was named our Young Player of the Year for the 2024/25 season – a richly-deserved honour for a player who embodied the spirit, determination and ambition that defined United’s campaign.
Upon his return to the AXA Training Centre, he underwent successful surgery in preparation for a summer of hard work with Arne Slot’s first team.
Our 13th addition of the window clashed with Preston North End, AC Milan, Yokohama F.Marinos and Athletic Bilbao in pre-season friendlies as he shared the stage with Liverpool stars Mohamed Salah, Virgil Van Dijk and United fans’ favourite, Andy Robertson.
LUCA'S RETURN WAS A PRIORITY
Having secured the return of his trusted star from Merseyside, Dundee United Manager Jim Goodwin said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Luca back to Tannadice. He made a tremendous impact last season, not just in terms of performances, but in the mentality and energy he brought to the group every single day.”
“Even when he was struggling physically, he gave everything for the badge – that tells you all you need to know about his character.
“Luca’s return was a priority for us this window - he brings something unique in terms of his leadership, versatility and understanding of how we want to play.
The Irishman continued: “He’s come back stronger, fully fit, and hungry to pick up where he left off. He’s had a brilliant summer working under Arne Slot and alongside some of the best players in the world – that experience will serve him and us incredibly well this season.
“Luca knows what this club stands for, the standards expected and the passion of our fanbase. To bring in someone of his quality, who’s already embedded in the culture and values of the club, is a massive boost.”
