James McConnell has returned to Liverpool. Fred Grim confirmed this on Friday morning at the Ajax press conference. The 21-year-old midfielder’s rental contract has been terminated with immediate effect, although the final administrative matters still have to be arranged.
“In consultation with both clubs, he has returned to Liverpool. Administrative actions still need to be carried out and then it is complete,” said Grim. McConnell only played 219 minutes in the first half of the season, spread over seven matches. The playmaker struggled with an injury in the final phase before the winter break, which forced him to miss a number of games.
The Amsterdam team was eagerly looking for a successor to the departed Jordan Henderson last summer. The names of Edson Álvarez and Julian Weigl, among others, were mentioned, but the former turned out to be unfeasible and the technical staff was not convinced of Weigl. Alex Kroes eventually brought McConnell to the Johan Cruijff ArenA. The Englishman worked with John Heitinga at Liverpool last season.
The number 6 position is once again a top priority for Ajax this month. The Amsterdammers investigate the arrival from Manuel Ugarte of Manchester United. It remains to be seen whether the Uruguayan is (financially) feasible.
