Liverpool will welcome young midfielder James McConnell back to Anfield as his loan deal with Ajax is reportedly set to be terminated. The 21-year-old has struggled to make an impact in Holland and has started just two matches during his temporary spell at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
McConnell joined Ajax at the end of August after John Heitinga had departed Anfield, where he was Arne Slot’s assistant, to become head coach of the Dutch giants. The Englishman started his side’s 5-1 Champions League defeat against Chelsea and also appeared from the outset when Ajax overcame Twente in a league match four days later. But he was hauled off at half-time against Twente and has played just 219 minutes of football during his time in Amsterdam.
Heitinga, who worked with McConnell at Liverpool, lost his job as Ajax boss at the start of November after the team had won just one of their previous seven matches. And it now appears that McConnell’s spell at the club will also come to an end.
According to Dutch outlet Voetbal International, McConnell’s time at Ajax has been limited to half a season and he will head back to Liverpool.
Ajax had intended to sign an experienced defensive midfielder in the summer and had been keen on Edson Alvarez and Julian Weigl. But Ajax staff were divided about Weigl and opted to bring in McConnell instead.
And Ajax plan to delve into the loan market once again in January to sign a more experienced No. 6 to replace the Liverpool loanee.
The Daily Mail have reported that McConnell has suitors in the Championship at West Brom, Derby, Oxford and Swansea, with the Welsh side appointing former Reds coach Vitor Matos as their new boss in November.
But Slot could decide to play the former England under-20s international in Liverpool’s FA Cup third-round encounter with Barnsley in January.
And that would scupper another loan deal for McConnell before the end of the campaign as players are only allowed to feature for two clubs every season.
Liverpool have endured a tough few months in the Premier League and fell away from their title rivals after losing six times in seven league matches between the end of September and late November.
The Reds have returned to form in recent weeks, however, and have claimed three league wins in a row after overcoming Brighton, Tottenham and Wolves this month. Slot’s side will be back in action when they host Leeds on New Year’s Day ahead of a trip to Fulham three days later.