The midfielder returned to Anfield after struggling for game time during the first half of the season
Liverpool's James McConnell appears dejected after the Emirates FA Cup fourth round match at Home Park.
Liverpool midfielder James McConnell has returned from his loan spell with Ajax. (Image: Adam Davy/PA Wire.)
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Liverpool have confirmed that midfielder James McConnell has returned to the club from his loan spell with Dutch side Ajax. The 21-year-old joined up with the club in the summer on a season-long loan, but the move had not gone as planned.
Even before the exit of John Heitinga as head coach, McConnell struggled for regular game time. The sacking of the former Liverpool assistant, however, impacted McConnell more with him not making an appearance since.
He has not been a part of the Ajax squad since early January, and made a total of just seven appearances for the club. Recently, his absence has been down to a shoulder injury.
Early in the transfer window, it was reported that the midfielder had returned to Liverpool with an agreement reached between the two clubs. It was confirmed that was the case with Liverpool releasing a statement on deadline day.
“James McConnell has returned to Liverpool from his loan spell at AFC Ajax,” it read.
“The midfielder joined the Eredivisie side last August and made seven appearances in all competitions. He is now back at the AXA Training Centre with the Reds after the temporary deal with Ajax was ended.”
Liverpool did receive interest from Championship clubs over a possible move in the January window. However, he has since undergone an operation on his shoulder injury, which ended the possibility of another temporary move away from Anfield.
James McConnell of Liverpool looks on during the Bristol Street Motors Trophy match between Bradford City and Liverpool U21.
James McConnell has returned to Liverpool from a loan spell with Ajax. (Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
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McConnell has made 13 first-team appearances for Liverpool so far. He could now potentially look to challenge for a place in Arne Slot’s side upon his return to match fitness.
Slot showed faith in the midfielder last season by starting him in the Champions League group stage clash against PSV Eindhoven. Following that match, McConnell thanked Slot.
“It was a really proud moment to start the game and I was really excited,” he said. “The boss has put faith in a lot of young lads, thanks to the work the senior lads have done over the course of the season.
“I’m really grateful to the boss and you’ve just got to take the opportunity when it comes to you.”