Liverpool midfielder James McConnell now looks set to stay at the club this summer instead of heading out on loan, according to a big new update on his future.
The start of the new Premier League season is getting closer all the time, with Milos Kerkez discussing his excitement for it after the 2-0 victory over Como:
“Yeah, I feel ready. [This] is the first time I played 90 minutes [this summer], I felt a bit [my] legs at I would say 70-something [minutes], but it’s good to get the whole 90 minutes. I had a lot [of time] to recharge [after last season] but honestly I started to train after, I will say, two or three weeks. I missed training, so it’s good to be back [and] recharged.”
There is still plenty of work to do in the transfer market, however, both in terms of incomings and outgoings, but it looks as though McConnell is staying, in a significant U-turn by Liverpool.
According to journalist Alan Nixon [via Football Insider], Andoni Iraola now plans to keep the midfielder as a part of his squad, rather than loaning him out, as has been mooted.
The 21-year-old had a temporary stint at Ajax last season, but the move didn’t necessarily go to plan, with only one Eredivisie and Champions League start apiece coming his way.
Is keeping James McConnell the right decision by Liverpool?
This is a major vote of confidence from Iraola, if true, with McConnell deemed good enough to retain and use as a squad player across the four competitions this season.
The Englishman won’t be under any illusions about starting every week, but he may feel that he has reached a point in his career where he is ready to make the grade at Liverpool.
The Reds need as much midfield depth as possible, especially if Curtis Jones leaves, and McConnell can provide that, having been called a “joy to watch” by Jurgen Klopp in the past.
It looks as though Iraola is advocating youth, which is refreshing to see – Arne Slot’s failure to do so was a criticism aimed at him – and it would be great to see McConnell thrive in 2026/27.
