Liverpool midfielder James McConnell has returned to Anfield following the early end of his loan spell at Ajax, with the 21-year-old having undergone shoulder surgery after making just seven appearances in the Netherlands
Liverpool boss Arne Slot could call on James McConnell later in the season(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool recently confirmed that midfielder James McConnell has returned to the club after his loan spell with Dutch outfit Ajax.
The 21-year-old joined the Amsterdam club during the summer on a season-long temporary arrangement, but the move hadn’t materialized as anticipated. Even before John Heitinga’s exit as Ajax manager, McConnell had struggled for regular minutes.
But the firing of the former Liverpool coach, who is now at Tottenham, impacted McConnell’s prospects further as he ceased to feature thereafter. He hasn’t been selected in the Ajax squad since early January, managing just seven appearances for the club overall. Recently, his absence has been put down to a shoulder injury.
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Earlier in the transfer window, reports surfaced that the midfielder had returned to Liverpool following an agreement between both clubs.
This was confirmed with Liverpool releasing a statement on deadline day.
“James McConnell has returned to Liverpool from his loan spell at AFC Ajax,” it read.
Liverpool midfielder James McConnell has returned to the club after a loan spell with Ajax(Image: Getty Images)
“The midfielder joined the Eredivisie side last August and made seven appearances in all competitions. He is now back at the AXA Training Centre with the Reds after the temporary deal with Ajax was ended.”
McConnell drew interest from Championship clubs regarding a potential January move.
However, he has since undergone surgery on his shoulder injury, which eliminated the possibility of another loan exit from Anfield.
McConnell has accumulated 13 first-team appearances for Liverpool to date. He could now be setting his sights on a place in Arne Slot’s squad once he returns to full fitness.
Slot showed his faith in the midfielder last season by handing him a starting role in the Champions League group stage clash with PSV Eindhoven.
Following that match, McConnell voiced his appreciation to Slot.
“It was a really proud moment to start the game and I was really excited,” he said. “The boss has put faith in a lot of young lads, thanks to the work the senior lads have done over the course of the season.
“I’m really grateful to the boss and you’ve just got to take the opportunity when it comes to you.”