Midfielder moves CLOSER to January exit

Liverpool took the decision to loan out several youth and fringe talents last summer.

We saw Harvey Elliott join Aston Villa for example while the likes of Luca Stephenson, James Balagizi, Lewis Koumas and James McConnell all secured moves away.

Each of those deals has brought a varying degree of success - with Elliott and McConnell in particular suffering following poor spells.

We could see Villa pay to end Elliott’s deal early - while it’s been reported that McConnell is already back on Merseyside following an unsuccessful stint at Ajax.

James McConnell returns to Liverpool

McConnell, 21, moved to the Amsterdam giants alongside former Liverpool assistant coach John Heitinga - who was given the top job at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

Arne Slot’s former deputy was sacked after only 15 games - with McConnell’s future immediately plunged into doubt. The midfielder is without Eredivisie football since October and looks set to have his loan deal ripped up.

It has been suggested that McConnell could perhaps now provide Arne Slot with an additional midfield option for the second half of the season.

But those hoping for McConnell to be given another chance in the Liverpool first team may well have to wait.

McConnell injury limits Liverpool chances

The ideal fixture for McConnell to feature in would have been the FA Cup clash against League One Barnsley on January 12.

Doing so would have rendered the player ineligible for another loan deal - as following appearances at Ajax and Liverpool he wouldn’t be entitled to represent a third club in the 2025/26 season.

But This Is Anfield now reports that McConnell is set to sit out the Barnsley fixture as he is suffering from an undisclosed injury.

“McConnell is carrying an injury which will almost certainly keep him out of the upcoming games – including the visit of Barnsley in the FA Cup third round on January 12,” the report reads.

McConnell could leave in January

That could now pave the way for a January exit - as the temptation for Slot to play him in the Premier League or Champions League will surely be less than it would be for the FA Cup.

The head coach has been reluctant to blood young talents and he is unlikely to change that habit to accommodate McConnell.

Championship clubs - including Swansea, West Brom, Derby and Oxford - are all reported to be keen on adding McConnell for the second half of the season.

And his exclusion from the Liverpool picture for the Barnsley fixture could end up sealing his short-term fate.

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