The January transfer window is now open and one Liverpool star looks to be on the move
John Heitinga during an interview
John Heitinga used his Liverpool connections to make signings in the summer transfer window
View 3 Images
Former Liverpool assistant John Heitinga's blueprint for James McConnell has fallen flat. The 21-year-old secured a loan switch to the Dutch giants during the summer but failed to nail down a regular spot and has now looks set to his parent club.
There were high hopes that McConnell would flourish in the Eredivisie as he linked up again with Heitinga, who was Slot's assistant last season. The ex-Everton defender was appointed Ajax boss in May and tapped into his Liverpool contacts to bring in the England U20 star.
McConnell, who featured four times for Liverpool last campaign, was accompanied by fellow loanee Vitezslav Jaros as he sought consistent game time. With Ajax needing to fill Jordan Henderson's midfield void, Heitinga had been impressed by McConnell's tenacity in Liverpool training sessions.
"He got a knock on the mouth during training and lost a tooth, but he only went looking for it afterward. That says everything about him," Heitinga told De Telegraaf.
"At Ajax, we're still dealing with the situation: what's feasible and what's not. Mentally, McConnell is in a good place; he can play as a six, and certainly as a 'double six.' But like all midfielders, he'll have to work incredibly hard to get playing."
The promising midfielder was gradually introduced to senior action, earning two starts across seven outings by early November. Any growing confidence was abruptly shattered when Heitinga was sacked, putting an end to his plan for McConnell.
While Jaros continued to be a crucial player for Ajax, McConnell found himself sidelined following Heitinga's exit. As the January transfer window approached, Dutch publication Voetbal International suggested that McConnell's loan spell would be terminated, a stark contrast to his hopeful comments when joining the club.
Upon his arrival, he said: "It feels really good (to be an Ajax player) and I am excited and I can't wait to get started. (I heard they were interested) three, four or five days ago, and obviously the manager, John Heitinga, rang me and said that he thinks I can help the team.
James McConnell of Ajax
James McConnell did not feature for Ajax after Heitinga left the club in November
View 3 Images
"When a club like this comes asking, you can't say no. He (Heitinga) worked at Liverpool last year and he helped me a lot. I know how intense he is and what his expectations are. I am looking forward to working with him again.
"I want to come and try and help this club. And, like I said, you can't say no when a team like this comes."
Before making the move to Ajax, McConnell had inked a new five-year deal with Liverpool. The young midfielder has since been linked with a loan move to a Championship side in a bid to secure more playing time.
James McConnell playing for Ajax
One of McConell's two Ajax starts came against Chelsea in the Champions League
View 3 Images
In the summer, several Championship clubs, including Swansea City, had shown interest in McConnell. Swansea have since appointed former Liverpool elite development coach Vitor Matos as their manager.
McConnell has made 13 first team appearances for Liverpool. His debut came against Toulouse in October 2023, making nine appearances under Jurgen Klopp in his breakthrough season.
Content Image
Content Image