Liverpool midfielder James McConnell is set to return to Anfield after Ajax opted to terminate his loan agreement midway through the season, according to Voetbal International.
The 21-year-old joined the Dutch giants in the summer to provide cover in the holding midfield role, but the move has not gone to plan. McConnell made just seven first-team appearances and has not featured in recent matchday squads.
With McConnell expected back at Liverpool, Ajax are now prioritising the signing of a new defensive midfielder in the upcoming transfer window.
Liverpool will now need to decide the next step for the remainder of McConnell’s campaign.
According to Daily Mail reporter Lewis Steele, the midfielder has attracted interest from several Championship clubs, with West Bromwich Albion, Derby County, Oxford United and Swansea City all named as potential suitors. Swansea are now managed by Vitor Matos, a former member of Jurgen Klopp’s coaching staff.
Game time will be a key consideration, particularly as McConnell has not completed 90 minutes since April, when he featured for Liverpool’s U21s.
Interest in the midfielder is not new. Over the summer, Austrian side Sturm Graz were among those monitoring his situation, alongside Championship clubs Ipswich Town, Hull City, Derby and Oxford United, while there were also admirers in Germany.
Should James McConnell be recalled, he could be considered an option for Liverpool’s upcoming FA Cup tie against Barnsley, a fixture that may provide an opportunity to give him minutes while resting senior midfielders.
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