Liverpool’s loan agreement has reportedly been cut short, with the player now set for an immediate return to Anfield.

 

 

Liverpool are set to welcome young midfielder James McConnell back to Anfield, with reports suggesting his loan spell at Ajax is about to be cut short. The 21-year-old has found opportunities hard to come by in the Netherlands, starting only two games during his time at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

McConnell joined Ajax at the end of August, shortly after John Heitinga left Liverpool — where he had been Arne Slot’s assistant — to take over as head coach of the Dutch club. The midfielder featured from the start in Ajax’s heavy 5–1 Champions League defeat to Chelsea, and also began a league win over Twente four days later. However, he was substituted at half-time in that match and has since accumulated just 219 minutes of football in Amsterdam.

Heitinga, who previously worked closely with McConnell at Liverpool, was dismissed in early November after Ajax managed just one win in seven matches. Now, it appears McConnell’s time at the club is also nearing its conclusion. Dutch outlet Voetbal International reports that his stay will last only half a season, with a return to Liverpool imminent.

Ajax had originally hoped to sign a more experienced defensive midfielder last summer, with Edson Álvarez and Julian Weigl among their targets. Internal disagreement over Weigl eventually saw the club opt for McConnell instead. However, Ajax now plan to revisit the loan market in January to bring in a seasoned No.6 to replace the Liverpool youngster.

According to the Daily Mail, McConnell is attracting interest from several Championship clubs, including West Brom, Derby County, Oxford United and Swansea City. Swansea could be a particularly strong option, having appointed former Liverpool coach Vítor Matos as manager in November.

That said, Slot may choose to hand McConnell minutes in Liverpool’s FA Cup third-round tie against Barnsley in January. If that happens, it would rule out another loan move this season, as players are only permitted to represent two clubs per campaign.

Liverpool endured a difficult spell in the Premier League earlier in the season, slipping away from the title race after six defeats in seven matches between late September and November. However, the Reds have rediscovered their form, recording three consecutive league victories against Brighton, Tottenham and Wolves.

Slot’s side return to action on New Year’s Day, hosting Leeds United, before travelling to Fulham three days later.