Leicester City are alongside a ‘stack’ of Championship clubs in eyeing Liverpool midfielder James McConnell this summer.
Leicester City boss Russell Martin is looking to shape the squad to his liking before the summer transfer window ends. Permanent additions are on the cards at LCFC, but they will be looking to utilise the loan market more too.
Now, a report from The Athletic has revealed the Foxes are among the clubs interested in midfielder James McConnell. The 21-year-old has been involved in Liverpool’s first-team over pre-season but he is one of several youngsters who could leave on loan before the window’s end.
McConnell is not short of admirers, and City could have their work cut out. It is said that a ‘stack’ of Championship clubs are showing their interest in the Morpeth-born midfielder this summer.
McConnell was in the Sunderland academy setup before moving to Liverpool in 2019. There, the midfielder has starred for both the U18s and U21s, earning his break into senior football with 13 appearances for the Merseyside outfit alongside a loan with Ajax last term.
The Leicester City target is adept as a central or defensive midfielder. Therefore, he could either occupy the holding role in Martin’s side, or operate in a slightly more advanced role to get more involved with the attacks.
As would be expected of any midfielder to come through the Liverpool ranks, McConnell is a composed player on the ball with a good passing range. He is hard-working and willing to get stuck in, with his well-rounded game helping him operate in a variety of roles.
He would certainly be a coup for LCFC in League One, and a good fit for Martin’s possession-based system. However, a move to a higher level may be expected.
The Verdict: Leicester City could have their work cut out in James McConnell pursuit
McConnell has given a decent account of himself in Liverpool’s pre-season but he needs to go on loan this summer. Leicester City have factors in their favour, as the youngster would be backed to start regularly in a side expected to challenge for the title.
However, it does feel as though McConnell is ready to play at a higher level. He has first-team exposure with his parent club and, while he didn’t play much, his Ajax stint saw him operate far above League One standard.
James McConnell’s Liverpool stats
Age GroupGamesGoalsAssistsFirst-team1301U21s3643U18s47106
Championship options are likely to be far more attractive for both Liverpool and McConnell. He is determined to prove his abilities on the senior stage after a fine youth career and a strong stint in the second tier could set him up for an exciting 2027.
LCFC’s interest will be one to monitor, but they could face an uphill battle in the bid to land McConnell.
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