Liverpool midfielder Luca Stephenson in advanced talks to join Bolton Wanderers

Liverpool will experience a summer full of changes in their midfield. Young players such as Adam Wharton and Khephren Thuram have been linked with a possible transfer to Liverpool. Meanwhile, the midfield is also certain to lose several faces under new coach Andoni Iraola.

Curtis Jones will join Inter Milan as soon as the deal is completed, while Alexis Mac Allister's future is also in limbo. The presence of new players in the team will have an impact on the other young midfielders in the squad. One of the promising academy graduates, Luca Stephenson, is now confirmed to be leaving the club.

Luca Stephenson in talks with Bolton


Despite impressing under Arne Slot during pre-season, 22-year-old midfielder Luca Stephenson will not get a chance under Iraola. According to a report from Football Insider, Stephenson is now in the final stages of completing his move to Bolton Wanderers.

"Bolton Wanderers are in advanced talks to sign Liverpool youngster Luca Stephenson this summer," the report reads. "Liverpool have informed Stephenson that he is free to look for a new club ahead of the 2026-27 season, with Bolton expected to agree a permanent deal."

Stephenson, who joined Liverpool's academy as a teenager, has shown excellent form over the last two seasons on loan. The midfielder, who can also play as a right-back, spent two seasons at Dundee United. His excellent performances made Liverpool consider recalling him early from loan in January this year to join the first team. Stephenson even signed a new contract before starting a second loan spell with the Tangerines, so now Liverpool could potentially make money from his transfer this summer.

Bolton, who have recently been promoted to the Championship, are expected to pay less than £1 million for Stephenson according to various reports, and he would certainly make a significant contribution to his new club. Stephenson's 2025/26 season was forced to stop due to a hamstring injury, and he returned to the AXA Training Center for treatment. Although expected to be fit for pre-season, it is unlikely he will get the chance to showcase his abilities in front of the new coach. Instead, he will head to the second division with a permanent deal to Bolton now increasingly likely.