Ajax parted ways with head coach John Heitinga this month after just 13 games in charge – and are now tipped to terminate at least one of their loans from Liverpool.
Heitinga lasted six months in his second spell in charge at Ajax, before being sacked after winning just four of his 13 games since leaving Liverpool.
His time back in Amsterdam was brief but proved influential in the shaping of the squad over the summer, not least with deals to sign Vitezslav Jaros and James McConnell on loan.
Neither found themselves part of caretaker head coach Fred Grim’s plans for the first game since Heitinga’s dismissal – and Dutch journalist Johan Inan believes McConnell could be sent back to Liverpool.
Why Ajax could terminated James McConnell loan
EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS - Wednesday, January 29, 2025: Liverpool's James McConnell (L) and Jayden Danns walk out before during the UEFA Champions League Matchday 8 game between PSV Eindhoven and Liverpool FC at the Philips Stadion. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“Crazy. Ajax knew back in January or February that Jordan Henderson would be leaving,” Inan told the AD Voetbal podcast, when discussing the late-August deal to sign McConnell.
“That gives you six months to bring in a successor. That didn’t happen.
“[McConnell] is in his early 20s. And yet everyone was advocating for an experienced No. 6.”
Inan added: “I’ll have to see if he’ll finish the season at Ajax. They’re already looking for a new No. 6.”
Much will depend on the verdict of Heitinga’s permanent successor, with Ajax seeking a long-term appointment having already been turned down by Erik ten Hag.
But given the noise from inside the club last month, when scouts were described as “surprised” at the signing, it seems likely that McConnell could be moved on to make room for a new No. 6.
This comes with Inan explaining that there is “maybe €2 million or €3 million” to spend in January and Ajax are expected to seek loan deals for a new left-back and defensive midfielder.
Liverpool’s plans if McConnell or Jaros return
3CACE10 AMSTERDAM - Ajax goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros during the practice match between Ajax Amsterdam and AS Monaco at the Johan Cruijff ArenA on Aug. 3, 2025 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. ANP | Hollandse Hoogte | GERRIT VAN KEULEN
A return for Jaros cannot be ruled out at this stage either, with the goalkeeper having lost his place in the side to 42-year-old Remko Pasveer and subsequently being left out of the Czechia squad this month.
If either player were to return to Liverpool mid-season it is almost certain the Premier League champions would seek another temporary home for the remainder of the campaign.
Similar occurred with Stefan Bajcetic last term, with the midfielder brought back from a fruitless loan at Red Bull Salzburg – arranged when Pepijn Lijnders was head coach – before heading to Spain for a productive spell with Las Palmas.