Who is this 15-year-old Sunderland prodigy on Liverpool’s radar? The next Jordan Henderson?

Who is Liverpool target Luca Stephenson? The next big talent in English football?

According to reports in the Chronicle Live, Liverpool are hoping to sign Sunderland’s 15-year-old midfielder Luca Stephenson, but for a fee less than £500,000. It is being suggested that the Reds are confident of getting this deal done for a low price.

Stephenson has drawn comparisons with current Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, who was also at Sunderland before joining red part of Merseyside in 2011. So, getting this player would be a massive boost for the Liverpool academy and youth teams.

The Reds are historically a club whose ethos revolves around giving young players an opportunity, especially the ones who come through the academy. So, Stephenson would come into a very good club environment, which is looking good since the arrival of Jurgen Klopp as first-team manager.

Here’s everything you need to know about the player and his favoured position:

Scout Report – Luca Stephenson

The 15-year-old youngster is regarded as one of the best youth prospects in the Sunderland academy, so he is talented enough to attract a club of Liverpool’s stature. Stephenson is an industrious midfielder, who can play as a playmaker and pick incisive passes through the lines.

He is full of running and possesses the game awareness to channelise the team’s play and apply himself according to that. Having been compared to Henderson, it is clear that the 15-year-old exhibits the desire to become someone special in the future.

Should the transfer get completed, Stephenson will straight away slot into the Barry Lewtas’ Under-18 squad for Liverpool. He is then expected to learn the Reds’ way and try to establish himself in the youth setup at Anfield.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is a perfect example of a player coming through the academy and becoming a vital player for the Liverpool first-team. For Stephenson, the 19-year-old should act as a motivating factor.

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Verdict

It is a perfect move for the 15-year-old, who is such a bright talent for the future. Moving to Liverpool assures him one thing – if he works hard and keeps his performance level up, first-team opportunities won’t be far away.