NewsJames McConnell signs new LFC contract and joins Ajax on loan

The midfielder links up with the Eredivisie club to gain further senior experience this season, reuniting with former Reds coach John Heitinga, now in charge of Ajax, and goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros, also on loan in Amsterdam.

Ahead of the move to the Netherlands, McConnell put pen to paper to extend his time at LFC, which began after he arrived at U15 level from Sunderland.

The 20-year-old progressed through the club's Academy system and has appeared 13 times for the senior team to date.

McConnell was handed his competitive debut by Jürgen Klopp with a cameo off the bench in a Europa League win over Toulouse at Anfield in October 2023.

Featuring in nine matches during his breakthrough season, he recorded an assist against Norwich City in the Emirates FA Cup before earning a Carabao Cup winner's medal by coming on as a substitute in the 2024 final versus Chelsea.

The England youth international appeared for Arne Slot's Liverpool on four occasions last term, including a first Champions League outing at PSV Eindhoven in January.

Eredivisie runners-up in 2024-25, Ajax have taken seven points from nine to kick off the new campaign and are set to feature in the Champions League league phase.