Liverpool have secured the long-term future of highly rated midfielder James McConnell, with The Athletic reporting that the 20-year-old has signed a new five-year contract at Anfield.
At the same time, McConnell is poised to leave Merseyside on loan, with Ajax agreeing terms to take the England youth international on a season-long deal.
The decision represents a significant step in McConnell’s development. Liverpool see the youngster as one of their most promising academy graduates, and tying him down to a long-term deal demonstrates their faith in his potential.
By extending his contract until 2029, the club has ensured that McConnell remains firmly part of their future plans, even as he gains experience elsewhere this season.
James McConnell is set to leave Liverpool to join Ajax
Ajax have moved quickly to secure McConnell’s services, with the Dutch giants identifying the midfielder as a special talent.
The Eredivisie side see him as a player capable of operating at the base of midfield, making him an ideal candidate to strengthen their No.6 role.
As per The Athletic, McConnell is scheduled to undergo a medical in the Netherlands before the deal is finalised.
The loan move offers McConnell the chance to gain regular first-team football at a high level, something that would have been difficult to guarantee at Anfield this season given the depth in Arne Slot’s midfield.
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The Premier League club have followed a similar pathway with other young talents in recent years, using loan moves to continue the development of their players.
McConnell’s performances at youth level and in training have drawn praise for his maturity and technical ability, and Liverpool believe this loan spell at Ajax could be transformative in his progression.
The Dutch side’s reputation for nurturing young talent only adds to the appeal, offering him the platform to refine his game in European competition.
With the agreement in place, all that remains is the medical before McConnell officially begins his Ajax adventure.
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