Luca Stephenson (born 17 September 2003) is an English professional footballer who plays as a right-back or defensive midfielder for club Bolton Wanderers.
Career Early career Stephenson started his career in Sunderland's academy, before signing for Liverpool in September 2018.
Stephenson captained Liverpool's under-18 team for the 2020–21 season, going on to also captain the under-21 side, becoming a regular with them in the following season.
During his time in Liverpool's academy, Stephenson was versatile, playing at both centre-back and right-back in addition to his natural midfield role.
Liverpool Stephenson signed his first professional contract in September 2020, with his deal being extended in February 2022.
Loan to Barrow On 1 September 2023, Stephenson joined EFL League Two club Barrow on a season-long loan. On 5 September, he made his professional debut in an EFL Trophy fixture against Blackpool. He later made his professional league debut on 30 September against Doncaster Rovers, coming on as a substitute for Tyrell Warren in the 62nd minute. On 14 October 2023, Stephenson made his full league debut at right-wing-back as Barrow faced Milton Keynes Dons, being replaced after 46 minutes.
During his time at Barrow, Stephenson was mainly deployed on the right of a back-five, with his hard-working and tough tackling style making him popular amongst fans. He became a regular in a Barrow team that narrowly missed-out on the League Two English Football League play-offs by a single point, one of their best league finishes in a 122-year history.
Loan to Dundee United On 15 August 2024, Stephenson signed for newly promoted Scottish Premiership side Dundee United on a season-long loan. He debuted for the club three days later in a Scottish League Cup match against St Mirren. On 24 August, he made his league debut and scored his first professional goal in a 2–0 win over St Johnstone. His season was cut short due to injury, a double hernia which required surgery. An injury he’d played with for 4 months, to secure Dundee United a top 4 finish and a place in Europe. Stephenson was awarded both fans & clubs Young Player of the season.
On 14 August 2025, Stephenson signed a long term contract extension with Liverpool before extending his loan at Dundee United for an additional season.
Bolton Wanderers On 2 July 2026, Stephenson completed a permanent move to EFL Championship club Bolton Wanderers for an undisclosed fee on a four-year deal.
Career statistics
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueNational cupLeague cupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsBarrow (loan)2023–24EFL League Two300200020340Dundee United (loan)2024–25Scottish Premiership3131020003432025–26Scottish Premiership295301000335Total608403000678Bolton Wanderers2026–27EFL Championship1000100020Career total9186040201038
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