Liverpool midfielder agrees transfer to CL rivals as contract decision made

SportFootballLiverpool FCLiverpool midfielder James McConnell has agreed a season-long loan move to Ajax after signing new contractLiverpool midfielder James McConnell(Image: Fran Santiago – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)Liverpool midfielder James McConnell will spend the season on loan at Ajax after an approach from former Reds assistant coach John Heitinga. McConnell, who has made 13 senior appearances for Liverpool, has agreed a switch to reunite with Heitinga at the Dutch side having signed a new five-term contract at Anfield.A number of clubs were interested in taking the 20-year-old midfielder for the campaign, with Championship side Ipswich Town having made a strong late play for his signature.Hull City and Sturm Graz were also keen, but Liverpool were ultimately impressed with the plan Ajax put forward to help further McConnell’s development.READ MORE: Liverpool face new transfer reality as Virgil van Dijk sends clear Arsenal messageREAD MORE: Arne Slot faces major Milos Kerkez decision as Liverpool consider new-look midfieldMcConnell is viewed as a future first-team player by Liverpool having impressed Arne Slot last season, most notably drawing praise from the Reds boss after his performance in the Champions League clash at PSV Eindhoven in January.With Heitinga having experience of working under Slot in helping Liverpool win the Premier League title last season, the Reds regard a spell working under the Dutchman as a major advantage for McConnell, who will also gain European experience with Ajax in the Champions League.Ajax have already taken one player Liverpool player on loan this season with goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros having already made three appearances in Holland.McConnell, who progressed through the Reds’ Academy after arriving from Sunderland at under-15 level, has made four starts for Liverpool and nine substitute appearances, the most notable of which saw him come off the bench and feature prominently in the League Cup final win over Chelsea in 2024.The midfielder is the seventh Liverpool player to depart on loan this summer with Luca Stephenson, Owen Beck, Harvey Davies, Isaac Mabaya and Lewis Koumas having also agreed temporary exits.