Swansea City have been linked with a pair of promising Liverpool midfielders in Luca Stephenson and James McConnell, as the Swans look to bolster their squad. Both players are highly-rated within the Anfield academy, and a loan move could be on the cards for either or both.
Luca Stephenson: A Versatile Midfielder with Loan Experience
Luca Stephenson, a 21-year-old midfielder, has already had two loan spells away from Liverpool, providing him with valuable experience. A former Sunderland academy player, Stephenson joined Liverpool in 2018. He has captained both the U18 and U21 sides and is noted for his versatility, having played as a defensive midfielder, on the wing, and even as a centre-back or full-back.
His first loan spell was with Barrow in League Two during the 2023-2024 season. He made 30 league appearances for them, primarily on the right of a back-five, and was a key part of a team that narrowly missed out on the playoffs. His hard-working and tough-tackling style of play made him a popular figure with the fans.
Last season, Stephenson moved to Dundee United on a season-long loan. He made 31 appearances in the Scottish Premiership, scoring three goals and registering two assists, and was named the club’s Young Player of the Season. His season was unfortunately cut short due to a double hernia injury. He had reportedly played with the injury for four months to help secure a top-four finish for Dundee United.
Following his return to Liverpool, he has featured in pre-season matches, and another loan is considered the next logical step in his development. Along with Swansea and their rivals Cardiff, other clubs like Reading, Rotherham United, and Aberdeen have also been linked with the midfielder. Aberdeen is reportedly considering a permanent move for him.
James McConnell: A Central Midfielder with First-Team Exposure
James McConnell, who turned 20 in September, is another Liverpool midfielder who has attracted interest from the Swans. McConnell, who also came through the Sunderland academy, joined Liverpool at U15 level. He has also had a significant amount of experience playing for the U18 and U21 teams.
McConnell’s career at Liverpool has seen him receive some first-team opportunities. He made his senior debut for the club in the Europa League in October 2023 and his Premier League debut the following month. He also started in an FA Cup match against Norwich City in January 2024, where he provided an assist, and was part of the squad that won the 2024 EFL Cup. He also started a UEFA Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven in January 2025.
Initially an attacking midfielder, McConnell adapted his game to become a holding midfielder under the guidance of Jürgen Klopp and Pep Lijnders. He has not yet had a loan spell away from Anfield, but with a potential loan move on the cards for this season, he could be an attractive target for a number of clubs. Ipswich Town, West Brom, and Derby have all been mentioned as potential suitors.
Who is the most likely target, or could both be possible?
Both Stephenson and McConnell offer different, yet equally appealing, qualities for Swansea. Stephenson’s versatility and prior loan experience could make him a more “ready-made” option for the Championship. He has proven his ability to adapt to different leagues and positions, and his successful spell at Dundee United shows he can be a key player for a first-team squad.
McConnell, on the other hand, comes with the added cachet of having already featured for Liverpool’s senior side in the Premier League and Champions League. His experience playing a defensive midfield role under the tutelage of top coaches could be a major asset. While he hasn’t been out on loan, his first-team experience at Liverpool may suggest he is ready for the rigors of the Championship.
It’s entirely possible that Swansea could target both players. The club is reportedly keen on adding to its ranks, and bringing in two young, talented midfielders on loan would certainly strengthen their options. It’s a low-risk, high-reward strategy that could provide the Swans with much-needed depth and quality. Ultimately, the decision will likely come down to the individual player’s desire for a move and whether Liverpool feels a loan to the Championship is the right next step for their development.
