Jim Goodwin has confirmed that Dundee United remain in talks regarding a summer swoop for Liverpool’s Luca Stephenson – but accepts that patience will be required.
The versatile Stephenson was a smash hit for the Tangerines last season, notching three goals and two assists in 34 appearances in a variety of roles. He was named United’s young player of the year for his efforts.
The Terrors are desperate to tempt the 21-year-old back to Tannadice, but he has another year remaining left on his deal with Liverpool, meaning the ball is very much in the court of the English champions.
Stephenson could be required for the Reds’ summer tour of Asia – as he was for their trip to the United States last year – and that would further delay any potential switch. He also has admirers south of the border.
“I’ve made my feelings clear about Luca and how important a player he was last season for us,” said Goodwin.
“He’s one that we’re speaking to, but there’s no guarantees.
“Luca’s performances last season have caught the eye of a number of other teams. So, we just need to be patient with that one.”
Sluggish English market
The issue of the English market lagging behind Scotland, making it harder to do loan deals early, is not a new one.
For context, three of United’s summer loan arrivals from south of the border last term – Emmanuel Adegboyega, Stephenson and Sam Dalby – penned deals with the club after the Premiership campaign was already under way.
Indeed, Dalby pitched up at Tannadice on the final day of the transfer window.
Only goalkeeper Jack Walton, who was well down the pecking order at Luton Town, joined in July 2024.
“The problem we have with some players in England – particularly players involved with the bigger teams in the English Premier League – is they start back a lot later than us,” continued Goodwin.
“We’re one of the earliest leagues back in Europe. Our business needs to be done a little bit quicker and sometimes the English clubs are just not in a hurry.
“They have got every right, and they hold all the cards. But you’re sometimes in a little bit of limbo when it comes to the loan system down in England.
“But we have identified some really good players.”
Goodwin added: “Ideally, we don’t want to have the same volume of loan players this season, but it’s certainly a system that we will use.
“If we can get three or four really good players through the loan system to add quality, strength and depth to the squad, then that’s what we’ll do.”
Dario Naamo: ‘Great mentality and work ethic’
Meanwhile, United are closing in on the capture of Finland U/21 international Dario Naamo.
The 20-year-old is nearing a loan deal from Austrian side St Polten, with an option to make the deal permanent next summer.
Naamo, who has also turned out for Honka and SJK in his homeland, is primarily a right sided wing-back – affording competition for Ryan Strain – but can also operate on the left.
Scottish coach Stevie Grieve, who managed Naamo at SJK at previously had a stint working as an analyst for United, tweeted: “Lovely balance and agility, good under pressure on the ball, will dribble out of pressure often.
“Good combination play in small spaces, can run all day. High level game intelligence, can play inside or on the touchline, can play both sides.
“Great mentality and work ethic.”
With Isaac Pappoe also likely to join on loan from Ferencvaros, that would take United’s tally of incoming to seven following the signings of Panutche Camara, Iurie Iuvo, Zac Sapsford, Yevhenii Kurechenko and Bert Esselink.
Conversation