West Brom boss Eric Ramsay could target a loan move for Liverpool youngster James McConnell.placeholder image
West Brom boss Eric Ramsay could target a loan move for Liverpool youngster James McConnell. | Getty Images
West Bromwich Albion could kick off their transfer business under Eric Ramsay with an approach for a Liverpool gem.
The 34-year-old, brought in from Major League Soccer side Minnesota United, had a tricky first game as Albion were beaten 3-2 by Middlesbrough in a Friday night thriller at The Hawthorns. The Baggies fought back from two goals down but Boro’s Delano Burgzorg netted a 90th-minute winner to snatch away the points.
As much as it was a disappointing result, it was a pretty even game, truth be told, against a side fighting in the upper reaches of the Championship standings. West Brom shouldn’t be underdogs in such a fixture as they should be up there themselves, but there’s no shame in Ramsay losing to the team second in the league on his managerial debut.
West Brom should target loan for Liverpool gem
One player who Albion could target to try and boost their chances of rising back up the Championship standings belongs to Liverpool, and his name is James McConnell.
Linked with a move to The Hawthorns in the summer before he secured a loan to Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam instead, McConnell recently saw his loan in the Netherlands cut short. Liverpool decided to recall McConnell after he accumulated just 219 minutes in five months across the Eredivisie and Champions League.
As much as it was an exciting move, it was perhaps a step too far for McConnell and a loan to the Championship could be the best choice at this early point in his career. This is where West Brom should swoop in and take advantage, Birmingham World believes, as the 21-year-old could make a brilliant impact in the centre of the park.
Albion have tried a host of midfield partnerships this season but there’s been a real lack of consistency. Bringing in a new face could freshen up Ramsay’s options and McConnell, highly rated on Merseyside, could be a superb option.
How would James McConnell fit in at West Brom?
McConnell, a central midfielder, has made 13 senior appearances for Liverpool. The England Under-20 international has gained the faith of Arne Slot as he was handed a full 90 minutes in the Champions League last season against PSV Eindhoven. Jurgen Klopp liked the look of McConnell, too, as he awarded him three Premier League cameos during the 2023/24 campaign.
If McConnell were to arrive through the doors at The Hawthorns, he could provide some healthy competition for the likes of Alex Mowatt, Jayson Molumby and Ousmane Diakite. Callum Styles is also in the conversation after being utilised in the double pivot on Ramsay’s bow. Meanwhile, Isaac Price has been out of form but his goal against Boro might lift his confidence.
An impact substitute role would likely be handed to McConnell immediately upon his arrival, but, if he were to hit the ground running, he could break into the first team. Liverpool are looking for McConnell’s next loan destination and West Brom need a midfielder. It makes perfect sense, right? It’s worth a shot.
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