Liverpool’s youngsters have not been getting much of a look-in under Arne Slot so far this season.
The Reds showcased the depth at their disposal last year, with plenty of young talents stepping up during the Carabao Cup in particular.
However, Slot has so far not seen much of a need to call on the Liverpool academy players who Jurgen Klopp blooded so successfully last season.
The likes of Stefan Bajcetic, Ben Doak and Lewis Koumas have headed out on-loan, while Bobby Clark was even sold to RB Salzburg.
In the meantime, even while the Liverpool squad has been troubled by injuries, Slot has chosen not to use some of the younger options he has available.
As a result, January looks like a good time for several to head elsewhere for the rest of the season. And according to journalist David Lynch, this is the plan for midfielder James McConnell.
(THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) James McConnell of Liverpool during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 training and press conf...
Photo by Nikki Dyer – LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
James McConnell set for January loan move
McConnell was one of the stars of the show during the Carabao Cup final last February.
The then 19-year-old played 33 minutes across normal and extra time against Chelsea, standing out as a composed figure in the Liverpool midfield.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
Since then, McConnell has had a frustrating time with injury. The former Sunderland youngster has not been able to get going under Slot.
And after McConnell was linked with an exit over the summer, Lynch has now told Anfield Agenda that he expects the 20-year-old to head out during the New Year.
READ MORE: What Middlesbrough believe Liverpool will do with Ben Doak in the January transfer market
“I think James McConnell and Jayden Danns are big candidates for loan moves,” he predicts. “McConnell was going to go on-loan in the summer and then that got kind of kiboshed by him getting an ankle injury.
“I would expect McConnell would field a lot of interest in January and I don’t see any reason why Liverpool would keep him around really because there’s just not the minutes there for him. So, I’d expect McConnell to leave on-loan.”
Jayden Danns could leave too
As well as McConnell, Lynch touches on a potential loan move for striker Jayden Danns, too.
“It wasn’t definite he [Danns] was going to go [in the summer] but it was an option for him up until he got that back injury,” says the journalist.
“I think it’s a big possibility if the right move is there.”
Given the options Slot will have in attack once Federico Chiesa and Diogo Jota finally return, a loan move to get some football would look like a good choice for Danns.
Similarly for McConnell, he needs to kick on after making superb progress last season. Koumas called McConnell ‘very special‘ during their breakout campaign and the midfielder should move on to make sure that development isn’t lost.
Related Posts