[article]We are delighted to announce the signing of Luca Stephenson from Liverpool on a season long loan.
Stephenson will link up with Pete Wild’s men for the 2023/2024 season on loan from six-time European Champions Liverpool.
The midfielder began his youth career in the North East at Sunderland’s academy, before signing for Liverpool’s under 15’s team at the time.
At the Reds’ academy the 19-year-old has been described as a creative midfielder who can also dictate play from a deeper lying role in midfield.
However, he’s a real team player who has captained Liverpool’s under 18’s side and will happily fill in at full back or centre half if needed, as he did for their U21 side last season.
Last season Stephenson also featured in EFL Trophy games against Salford City, Accrington Stanley and Rochdale.
Speaking after the deal was agreed, Bluebirds boss Pete Wild said, "Firstly, I'd like to say thank you to Liverpool for their cooperation with this. We're really pleased that they've trusted us with one of their bright prospects.
We've done our homework and we feel he'll be a really good addition to the group. Hoepfully we can help Luca on his journey like we've done with other loan players in the past."
Equally as delighted to have the deal arranged was Luca himself, who said "This is my first senior loan and I'm delighted to have got it all sorted. I'm hoping to learn alot whilst I'm here, from the manager and staff as well as the players who have been there and done it at this level before. I will bring alot of energy and some goals and assists to the table and I can't wait to get going."[/article]
[article]Tranmere Rovers are delighted to confirm the signing of James Norris from Liverpool on a season-long loan.
Norris is a left-back who can also play in midfield.
He made his professional debut for Liverpool in December 2019, coming on as a substitute against Aston Villa in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.
The 20-year-old has represented England at youth levels from under-16 up to under-19.
Norris has experience winning silverware with England and Liverpool. He was part of the England under-17 side which lifted the Syrenka Cup in 2019, as well as winning the Lancashire Senior Cup with Liverpool’s under-23s in 2022.
The youngster will join up with the squad ahead of this weekend’s clash against Wrexham at Prenton Park.
Manager Ian Dawes said: “I've known James for a long time from when I worked at Liverpool with the younger age groups. He suits the mentality, he works hard, he competes, he runs, he's tenacious, always all in.
"He never lets you down in his approach to the game and his commitment, and it's good to have him in."
On signing for Rovers, Norris said: “I'm excited. I can't wait to get going. As soon as I found out that it was going to go through, I was made up.
"This is the first Club I came to. This is where I signed my first football contract when I was 8 or 9, and then moved on to Liverpool so it's come back around and I'm back at Tranmere. I can't wait to get playing for them.
"I know it's a massive Club round here, everyone knows who Tranmere are around Liverpool. It'll be a privilege to play here."[/article]