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James McConnell spent the first half of the season on loan at Ajax but returned early for rehabilitation after an injury sustained in the Netherlands. The 21-year-old underwent minor surgery.
The former Sunderland youth player impressed under Arne Slot, notably in a Champions League defeat at PSV Eindhoven last season, which secured his place at Liverpool. Slot said after the game: “I wouldn’t say definitely, but I liked him a lot today, so maybe now the end result today would be it’d be good for him to go somewhere and play.
“He was also a player that hasn’t played in the last six or seven months 90 minutes because he was injured for a while. He impressed me a lot today.” However, a combination of injuries, a shock FA Cup exit to Plymouth Argyle, and a crowded midfield meant he didn’t feature in the Premier League last season, finishing with the Under-21s.
McConnell racked up seven appearances for Ajax, including a start in a Champions League trip to Chelsea, before an injury in November forced his early return in January. Despite this, Liverpool have yet to update his loan status on their website.
McConnell, who is a holding midfielder, can also play right-back – a position that has been challenging for Liverpool this season. He has 13 senior appearances for the club and signed a new five-year contract before his loan.
According to Liverpool.com, James McConnell is set to remain at Liverpool for the rest of the season despite interest in a January loan move. With limited first-team options, he is set to return to training from injury in February and offer depth for squad rotation in the closing months of the season.
Several EFL and overseas clubs expressed interest in taking McConnell on loan, but the Premier League champions have decided against another short-term move this winter transfer window.
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