Liverpool are considering loan moves for James McConnell, with a Champions League side interested, among others.
While the summer may have been a frustrating one for McConnell, who is only now returning to full fitness following injury, he is still attracting interest from a range of clubs.
Liverpool are “considering” a loan for him, according to the Athletic‘s James Pearce, with Oxford United, Hull and Sturm Graz being added to the list of interested parties that also includes Ipswich, Derby, West Brom and clubs in Germany.
Sturm Graz are described as “suitors” in the report, and the Austrian champions could qualify for the Champions League league phase this season.
PLYMOUTH, ENGLAND - Sunday, February 9, 2025: Liverpool's James McConnell during the FA Cup 4th Round match between Plymouth Argyle FC and Liverpool FC at Home Park. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
However, to reach that stage, they must first beat Bodo/Glimt, who reached last season’s Europa League semi-finals, over two legs.
If Sturm Graz were to be knocked out by Bodo/Glimt, they would enter the league phase of the Europa League instead.
Liverpool have a relationship with Sturm Graz already, having sent Vitezslav Jaros there for a successful second half of the 2023/24 season.
Though some clubs are reportedly interested in a permanent move for McConnell, Arne Slot likes the midfielder and it is expected a loan will ensue.
Liverpool players pose with the trophy after winning the premier league.
In January, a temporary move wasn’t sanctioned for the 20-year-old as, after Liverpool’s defeat to PSV, Slot said: “There’s definitely one of them that will not go on loan and I think you know which one I mean, James McConnell.
“I wouldn’t say definitely, but I liked him a lot today – so maybe now the end result today is that it would be good for him to go somewhere and play.
“He was also one of our players who hadn’t played in the last six or seven months 90 minutes, because he was injured for a while, and he impressed me a lot today.”
Lewis Koumas and Kaide Gordon also wanted on loan
CARDIFF, WALES - Thursday, September 5, 2024: Wales' Lewis Koumas during a training session at the Cardiff City Stadium ahead of the UEFA Nations League Group B4 game between Wlaes and Turkey. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
McConnell’s teammates, Lewis Koumas and Kaide Gordon, are also potentially on their way to other clubs, with the Athletic reporting Sheffield United, Hull, Wrexham and Preston all want the former who has “also attracted some permanent interest.”
Meanwhile, Gordon “is being pursued” by Swansea and Derby.
Notably, both players missed Liverpool U21s’ opening game of the season, away at Leicester on Monday night.
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Rob Page’s side didn’t get off to the best start, losing 4-2 – Jayden Danns and Michael Laffey scored for Liverpool – but they can make amends in their next game, at home to Burnley on Monday.
Rhys Williams, who is now 24 years old, is also expected to leave, most likely on a permanent basis, having played 38 times for Morecambe in League Two last season.
His contract still has another year left to run, so he currently remains on Liverpool’s books.