James McConnell dealt immediate Liverpool setback after loan deal terminated

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James McConnell’s Liverpool plans suffer an early setback as his loan move at Ajax is cut short, forcing a swift rethink over the midfielder's short-term future

James McConnell is set to return to Liverpool after a difficult loan spell at Ajax(Image: 2025 Liverpool FC)

Liverpool has recalled midfielder James McConnell from his loan spell at Ajax, though his return to Merseyside comes amid concerns after injury ruled him out of immediate contention.

The 21-year-old found opportunities limited in the Netherlands, making just two starts during his time at the Johan Cruyff Arena. McConnell joined Ajax at the end of August, shortly after John Heitinga left Anfield to take over as head coach of the Dutch side, having previously served as Arne Slot’s assistant at Liverpool.

The English midfielder started in Ajax’s 5-1 Champions League defeat to Chelsea and was again named in the XI for a league win over Twente four days later. However, he was substituted at half-time against Twente and went on to total only 219 minutes of action in Amsterdam.

Recent reports suggest that McConnell is currently nursing an injury that is expected to rule him out of the upcoming fixtures, including Liverpool’s FA Cup third-round tie against Barnsley on January 12. While Slot would ideally rotate his squad against League One opposition, his midfield options are limited.

Wataru Endo remains unavailable, further thinning Liverpool’s midfield resources, while Stefan Bajcetic has yet to be fully reintegrated after a prolonged hamstring injury.

McConnell might otherwise have been a natural deputy for Ryan Gravenberch against Barnsley, but Slot may now be forced to rely on at least one established starter.

The exact nature of McConnell’s injury has not been disclosed. However, Ajax previously referenced fitness concerns when he was omitted from recent matches.

James McConnell has reportedly picked up an injury(Image: Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)

McConnell saw his involvement at Ajax diminish before disappearing entirely from contention following Fred Grim’s appointment.

The midfielder has not featured at any level since Heitinga’s final match in charge, a 3-0 Champions League defeat to Galatasaray on November 5.

Liverpool is expected to wait until McConnell regains full fitness before reviewing his situation later in the January transfer window. While another loan move is not assured, West Brom, Derby, Oxford and Swansea have all been linked with an interest.

Liverpool.com says: Liverpool’s midfield now feels one injury short of a genuine crisis, which is where the frustration lies. McConnell’s recall was intended to add depth, yet it has only exposed how thin the options are. The priority must be to get him fit and playing regular football in a stable environment, because Liverpool cannot continue to treat loan spells as a gamble and expect young players to progress without consequence.