Andoni Iraola has wasted no time since his appointment as Liverpool manager last month, with the club now set to confirm the departure of midfielder Luca Stephenson to Bolton Wanderers for a fee of £700,000. The 22-year-old, who has yet to make a senior appearance for the Reds, is in the final year of his Anfield contract and spent the last two seasons on loan at Dundee United.
Stephenson Nears Bolton Move
Stephenson joined Liverpool's academy from Sunderland in 2018 and has been part of the first-team pre-season preparations for the last two years. His move to the Championship side is expected to be completed imminently. Despite a second campaign in Scotland curtailed by injury, the midfielder was awarded both the fans' and club's Young Player of the Season awards.
Jacquet Arrival Officially Announced
Meanwhile, defender Jeremy Jacquet's Liverpool career officially began on Wednesday following his £60 million move from Rennes. The 20-year-old had agreed to join in January but returned to Rennes on loan for the remainder of the season. After recovering from a shoulder injury sustained in France, Jacquet has been cleared to start pre-season training this month.
Upon his arrival, Jacquet expressed his ambition to contribute to Liverpool's trophy collection, stating: "I saw all the cups and trophies, just how many there are, and I thought 'wow, I really want to be part of the history of this club'. I was just thinking that I want to bring back many more of them."
He added: "It's a legendary club and the football philosophy appealed to me directly, and with my family I believe we made the right choice and we feel really happy here. They are really, really proud of me. I think they've got a few stars in their eyes, a bit like I have, and that they are all excited and can't wait to have it all started and that I begin to get some training sessions and a run of games under my belt."
Iraola has already overseen the club's first summer arrival in Victor Munoz, while high-profile exits such as Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konate were decided before his appointment.
