James McConnell joins Ajax on loan after signing new Liverpool contract
The 20-year-old has progressed through the club’s youth system and has made 13 senior appearances to date
James McConnell has joined Ajax on loan for the remainder of the 2025-26 season after signing a new long-term contract with Liverpool.
The midfielder links up with the Eredivisie side to gain further senior experience this season, reuniting with former Reds coach John Heitinga, now in charge at Ajax, and goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros, who is also on loan in Amsterdam.
Before moving to the Netherlands, McConnell extended his stay at Liverpool, where his journey began after joining the club’s Academy from Sunderland at the U15 level.
The 20-year-old has progressed through the club’s youth system and has made 13 senior appearances to date.
He made his competitive debut under Jurgen Klopp, coming off the bench in a Europa League win over Toulouse at Anfield in October 2023.
During his breakthrough season, McConnell featured in nine matches, registering an assist against Norwich City in the Emirates FA Cup and earning a Carabao Cup winner’s medal as a substitute in the 2024 final against Chelsea.
The England youth international appeared four times for Arne Slot’s Liverpool last term, including making his first Champions League appearance at PSV Eindhoven in January.
Ajax, who finished as Eredivisie runners-up in 2024-25, have started the new campaign with seven points from nine and are set to compete in the Champions League group stage.
Alex Kroes said: “James has a true winning mentality and will add a real edge to the squad.
“With him, we’re bringing in a player who will add qualities to the team as a defensive, controlling midfielder.
“He’s been with the Liverpool squad for several seasons now, so he knows what’s expected of him at the highest level.
“He has a lot of potential and will have the opportunity to develop well with us. We’re very happy that he’s chosen Ajax.”
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