Liverpool midfielder James McConnell is set to join Eredivisie giants Ajax on a season-long loan, with the youngster reuniting with head coach John Heitinga.
McConnell has recovered from a niggling injury and spent recent weeks training with Arne Slot‘s first team while the club assessed widespread loan interest.
Though the likes of West Brom, Hull and Oxford United were exploring a deal for the 20-year-old, he will instead head abroad to Amsterdam.
This Is Anfield understands Liverpool have agreed a deal with Ajax which will see McConnell spend the 2025/26 campaign working under Heitinga, who left Anfield to take the head coach job in May.
McConnell will undergo a medical before finalising his switch, while also signing a new contract with the Premier League champions as he is viewed as a long-term option for Arne Slot‘s first team.
Liverpool have already loaned goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros to Ajax for the season, with their relationship with Heitinga clearly key to securing these agreements.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, January 1, 2024: Liverpool's substitute James McConnell during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Newcastle United FC on New Year's Day at Anfield. Liverpool won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Ajax were short of options in the deep-lying midfield role following Jordan Henderson‘s departure earlier in the summer, with McConnell poised to enjoy regular game time.
His move to the Netherlands also provides the former Sunderland academy graduate with further experience of European football, with Ajax entering the Champions League‘s league phase.
Heitinga has so far overseen two wins and a draw in his three Eredivisie games back at Ajax, including a 2-0 victory over Heracles on Sunday.
McConnell’s move will be formally announced in due course, and he is not likely to be the last player to leave Liverpool on loan before Monday’s transfer deadline.
Jayden Danns and Kaide Gordon are among those attracting interest, while AS Roma have made an approach for Kostas Tsimikas.