Liverpool set to hand new deals to duo amid squad reshuffle

Liverpool Show Faith in Youth as Stephenson and McConnell Enter Contract Talks

Academy core remains part of Slot’s long-term plan

While the headlines swirl around Liverpool’s aggressive summer recruitment, another key strand of the club’s strategy is unfolding more quietly. According to The Athletic, the Premier League champions are in talks with academy products Luca Stephenson and James McConnell over new contracts.

These discussions are not glamorous, but they matter. Amid the £170 million already spent on marquee names like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, and with Hugo Ekitike on the brink of joining, the club’s commitment to its academy continues to run deep. For all the global scouting and big-money deals, Liverpool still understand the value of homegrown development.

Stephenson earns his opportunity

Luca Stephenson, 21, returned from a successful loan spell at Dundee United with his stock significantly higher. Slot named him in Liverpool’s 29-man squad for the pre-season tour of Hong Kong and Japan, and the midfielder has already featured in the opening friendlies.

Photo: IMAGO

“[It was] a little bit [of a surprise], yeah. A little bit,” Stephenson told Liverpoolfc.com about being included in the tour squad. “So, it feels kind of even better to feel like you’re with more senior boys and learning from more senior players.”

After 34 appearances and three goals in Scotland last season, his inclusion is a deserved reward. Stephenson’s energy, intelligence and work rate have not gone unnoticed.

McConnell set for loan after injury setback

James McConnell, 20, is also in line for a new contract. He missed the pre-season tour through injury, but remains part of the club’s longer-term vision. A loan move is being arranged to ensure he gets valuable first-team football next season.

Photo: IMAGO

McConnell showed flashes of quality last term and has impressed coaches with his versatility in midfield. A year out on loan could unlock his full potential and offer Liverpool another reliable option from within.

Contract renewals maintain squad balance

While the futures of senior players like Ibrahima Konate, Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz remain uncertain, these youth extensions provide stability and continuity. Slot’s system relies on tactical understanding and adaptability, traits more easily instilled in players raised through the club’s own philosophy.

These aren’t headline moves, but they reflect smart planning. Amid all the noise of transfer speculation, Stephenson and McConnell’s negotiations reinforce Liverpool’s continued focus on building from the ground up.

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It is refreshing to see the club not only splashing the cash but also staying true to its roots. Players like Luca Stephenson and James McConnell represent the work being done behind the scenes, the sessions at Kirkby, and the graft that goes unseen while cameras flash for the high-profile arrivals.

Stephenson’s inclusion on the Asia tour feels significant. It is not just a pat on the back, it is a vote of confidence. With 34 games under his belt last season, he is no longer a rookie. There’s a chance for him to become a reliable squad option if he continues this trajectory.

McConnell’s injury is a setback, but the fact Liverpool are still pressing ahead with a contract renewal tells you how highly they rate him. Loaning him out, as long as it is the right environment, is the smart step.

The modern game demands depth, flexibility and trust in the pathway. These renewals show Liverpool are not losing sight of that. Big signings win the headlines, but homegrown players often win the respect of the fanbase. And right now, both sides of the club are delivering.