James McConnell is to have his loan at Ajax cut short and is back on Merseyside with the Liverpool squad.
As one of Liverpool’s most-promising youngsters, the summer saw McConnell earned himself a new contract, lasting until 2030, and a loan move to Dutch giants Ajax.
However, it hasn’t gone to plan for the 21-year-old and the Athletic‘s James Pearce reports that “all parties have agreed that a return” is now best.
James McConnell loan to be cut short
• Loan terminated: James McConnell is returning to Liverpool after all parties agreed to end his season-long loan at Ajax early
• Out of favour: The 21-year-old lost his place in the side following the sacking of John Heitinga in early November
• January options: West Brom, Derby, Oxford United, and Swansea are all reportedly interested in a loan deal
EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS - Wednesday, January 29, 2025: Liverpool's Jayden Danns (L) and James McConnell (R) line-up before the UEFA Champions League Matchday 8 game between PSV Eindhoven and Liverpool FC at the Philips Stadion. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
This Is Anfield understands that he has already returned to the AXA Training Centre to work with the squad ahead of his official return at the beginning of January.
Regarding his future, Pearce added: “Liverpool are unlikely to make a decision over whether McConnell is loaned out elsewhere for the second half of the season until later in the January window.”
Goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros, who also left on loan for Ajax in the summer, is still playing regularly and there is no suggestion of his loan being terminated early.
Why is James McConnell returning to Liverpool early?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, February 28, 2024: Liverpool's James McConnell during the FA Cup 5th Round match between Liverpool FC and Southampton FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The key change that has seen McConnell fall out of favour in Holland has been the departure of John Heitinga.
Having worked with the Dutch coach at Liverpool last season, Heitinga took McConnell to Amsterdam where he would manage the club.
McConnell played seven times under Heitinga, including three Champions League appearances, but his fortunes changed when the manager was sacked with just five wins in his first 11 Eredivisie matches.
With newly-promoted assistant coach Fred Grim at the helm, McConnell was left out of favour and hasn’t made an appearance since.
He is still highly rated, however, with a handful of Championship clubs known to be interested in taking him for the rest of the season.
The *Mail*‘s Lewis Steele reports that West Brom, Derby, Oxford United and Swansea are all potential suitors.
First-team minutes will be hard to come by under Arne Slot, but he could feature in the Reds’ home FA Cup tie against League One outfit Barnsley on January 12.
As well as being an opportunity for game time, it could put him in the shop window for a good move for the second half of the campaign.