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Liverpool will soon be able to make moves in the transfer market again, with Arne Slot weighing up both potential signings and squad exits. While Antoine Semenyo now appears set for a move to Manchester City and Marc Guehi is expected to remain at Crystal Palace until the end of the season, Liverpool’s focus is not solely on incomings. Sporting director Richard Hughes is also assessing loan situations involving several young players.
James McConnell has been recalled early from his season-long loan at Ajax, according to the Liverpool Echo, after a frustrating spell in the Netherlands. The 21-year-old made just seven appearances, totalling 219 minutes, and has not featured since November following the departure of head coach John Heitinga and a subsequent injury setback. McConnell has now returned to the AXA Training Centre to continue his recovery.
Liverpool are expected to attract strong loan interest in the midfielder once he regains fitness, with several Championship clubs keen. Swansea City, now managed by former Liverpool development coach Vitor Matos, were among those previously interested. McConnell made his senior Liverpool debut in October 2023 and has since made 13 appearances. He also earned praise from Slot for his performance in the Champions League defeat to PSV Eindhoven earlier this year.
The Dutchman said: “If I would have been surprised it would mean during training sessions he is not able to play at this level and that’s not the truth, because he is competitive to the ones we have that were not even here. He is always a very competitive player, so I am not surprised but you always wonder how are you going to react on this stage and at this level. We saw the same with Amara Nallo, which is not a player that has the same impact in training sessions yet as James McConnell. That James plays and is competitive is not a surprise but he definitely deserves credit for his performance today.”
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