Latest Liverpool transfer reaction as Harvey Elliott joins Reds players wishing James McConnell luck with his loan move to Ajax
Harvey Elliott and James McConnell of Liverpool during a training session
Harvey Elliott has sent a message to James McConnell(Image: Nikki Dyer - LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Harvey Elliott was among the band of Liverpool players who have wished James McConnell good luck as he embarks on a season-long loan to Ajax. The Reds announced their latest transfer along with the midfielder signing a five-year contract.
McConnell, 20, joined the Reds from Sunderland at Under-15 level and has progressed to make 13 senior appearances under Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot. He provided cover for last season's Premier League title-winning squad and now Liverpool have made the decision for him to go out in search of regular minutes.
Therefore he has moved to the Johan Cruyff Arena, home of Dutch giants Ajax. There he will be coached by Slot's former assistant John Heitinga, be a teammate to fellow Liverpool loanee Vitezslav Jaros and help fill the position vacated by former Reds captain Jordan Henderson, who joined Brentford this summer.
"Very happy to be here for the season, can’t wait to get started," McConnell wrote on an Instagram post with images of his Ajax unveiling. The post has now received over 20,000 likes and plenty of reaction from his Reds colleagues in the comment section.
Chief amongst them was fellow English midfielder Elliott, who replied: "Best of luck bro [red heart emoji]."
Liverpool stars such as Harvey Elliott congratulate James McConnell on his loan move
Liverpool stars such as Harvey Elliott congratulated James McConnell on his loan move
Elliott himself has also been the subject of transfer rumours this summer, amid talk of a permanent move away from Anfield. However, as the ECHO reported before the transfer deadline, Slot is keen to retain the 22-year-old.
RB Leipzig have shown interest as their midfielder Xavi Simons completed a £51 million move to Tottenham Hotspur on Friday, but the club are set to resist any offer. They would only consider a deal that would represent a substantial profit, having watched the likes of Tyler Dibling, Jacob Ramsey, Matheus Fernandes, and Omari Hutchinson all move for figures of between £38m and £42m this summer.
Andy Robertson, who has just been named Liverpool's new vice captain, also congratulated McConnell, saying: "Love it Macca, good luck mate [raised hands emoji, red heart emoji]."
Hugo Ekitike and Ryan Gravenberch commented emojis whilst there were several of the club's academy prospects looking up to McConnell wishing him the best for his move.
As well as those who commented, other Reds players past and present who liked McConnell's Instagram post included Henderson, Darwin Nunez, Jarell Quansah, Tyler Morton, Stefan Bajcetic, Rhys Williams, Milos Kerkez, Curtis Jones, Cody Gakpo, Ben Doak, Adrian, Virgil van Dijk, Lewis Koumas, Kaide Gordon, Jayden Danns, Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha.
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