Rangers drop the ball with Luca Stephenson as Bolton Wanderers swoop in for bargain transfer
Rangers look set to miss out on signing Liverpool youngster Luca Stephenson, as Bolton Wanderers aim to wrap up a deal.
Gers have been linked with the right-back since late March, as it looked like his permanent exit from Liverpool would happen this summer.
Stephenson has spent the last two seasons impressing in the Scottish Premiership with Dundee United, and emerged as a contender to be James Tavernier’s long-term successor.
However, according to Alan Nixon, this Friday, the now English second-tier side Bolton look set to sign the 22-year-old for a bargain price of £700,000.
Rangers have been linked to sign Stephenson, but the 49ers have clearly spent too much time signing or trying to bring the likes of Lawrence Shankland, Dan Neil, and Elliot Watt to Ibrox.
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Lucas Stephenson already impressed at Ibrox this season
Stephenson passed his Ranges audition with flying colours when Dundee United last came to Ibrox in April.
Despite the Terrors losing 4-2 on the day, the Liverpool loanee looked like the biggest threat on the pitch out of both sides, but that’s nothing new as he’s immense all season.
| Area of game | Stats |
| Games | 29 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 5 |
| Chances created per 90 | 1.02 |
| Duels won | 46.6% |
Stephenson averaged either a goal or an assist every 2.9 games this season, despite playing in a wing-back role; an incredible return at such a young age.
He’s shown maturity over the past two seasons in Scotland, and his numbers are reminiscent of Tavernier’s at Ibrox, with the potential clearly there.
It’s not known how hard Gers were pushing to try sign the Englishman.
But if they have been ultimately beaten by Bolton of all teams, then it’s quite damming, even if they were recently promoted to the Championship.
Dundee United loan star Luca Stephenson admits he wants his next transfer move to be a permanent one.
— dufcway (@dufcway) May 28, 2026
Celtic, Rangers and Bolton Wanderers are wanting Luca Stephenson on a permanent.
Go join Sam Dalby at Bolton? 😉
(Daily Record) #DUFC pic.twitter.com/mhTWYgsfuG
Perhaps the 49ers have other targets in mind, but either way, Stephenson is a ready-made player and has all the potential to improve even more under Danny Rohl.
It’s hard to look at it as anything but a missed opportunity at such a small fee of £700k. He could have even been brought as a backup option.
Rangers may have in-house James Tavernier replacement
Replacing Tavernier may be the hardest challenge of the summer now that Gers have landed themselves a proper number nine and leader in Shankland.
As one leader has come in, another has gone out, but the Bears will miss much more than just that from their club captain.
Teenage sensation Zander Hutton has been impressing while on loan with Hamilton this season, grabbing seven goal contributions from defence in all competitions.
Pre-season will be a chance for the Scot to impress Rohl, but it’s still highly likely that Gers will search the market to find Tavernier’s successor.
But if Hutton can show what he’s all about, he could have a crack at it. Stranger things have happened.
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