James McConnell could make quick Liverpool return after “Crazy” Ajax decision

James McConnell’s loan spell at Ajax was supposed to be a vital stepping stone — a season of regular Eredivisie football under John Heitinga, integrating into a possession-heavy system similar to Arne Slot’s. Instead, the Liverpool midfielder has seen his development stall, and a surprise January return is now on the table.

McConnell, who left Anfield on deadline day in August, has played just 219 minutes across seven matches, with only one Eredivisie start. Expectations were far higher, particularly given that Heitinga worked under Slot at Liverpool last season and pushed for his signing. But Ajax’s midfield rebuild has been muddled since Jordan Henderson’s departure — and the Dutch club’s planning has now been labelled “crazy” by journalist Johan Inan.

With Heitinga gone and Ajax desperate for a new No. 6 in January, McConnell’s future is suddenly unclear.

Inan, speaking on AD’s podcast (relayed by Voetbal Primeur), did not hold back when assessing Ajax’s summer strategy:

“Ajax knew back in January or February that Henderson would be leaving. That gives you six months to bring in a successor. That didn’t happen. That guy [McConnell] is in his early twenties. And yet everyone was advocating for an experienced number six.”

The club allowed a Champions League-level leader to leave and gambled on a raw Premier League prospect — then barely used him. It is a decision now haunting their season, with the team lacking structure and suffering inconsistency in midfield.

Heitinga’s dismissal earlier this month only adds more uncertainty. A new manager may view McConnell differently — but may also see him as a misfit in a midfield that requires calming experience rather than long-term potential.

The plan made sense on paper. McConnell’s press resistance, positional discipline and tidy ball circulation should fit Ajax’s traditions. But the club’s chaotic environment has made integration difficult.

Key issues:

A young loanee is rarely the one who thrives in such instability.

Liverpool’s hope was that McConnell would experience high-possession football in a competitive league. Instead, he has largely sat on the bench during Ajax’s worst start in decades.

Inan reports Ajax are actively searching for a new No. 6 in January, but their budget is extremely limited — “maybe €2m or €3m.” As a result, loan signings are the most realistic option.

If the Dutch giants secure another midfielder on loan, McConnell could find himself pushed further down the pecking order. That increases the likelihood of a Liverpool recall.

Inan admitted:
“I’ll have to see if he’ll finish the season at Ajax. They’re already looking for a new number six.”

From my experience covering Liverpool’s youth progression under Klopp and now Slot, loan spells either ignite development or set it back. In our view, McConnell sitting idle in Amsterdam helps nobody.

There is an important nuance, though: bringing him back without an immediate plan — be it involvement in Liverpool’s first-team rotation or a better-targeted loan — risks repeating the mistake. Slot’s midfield is already stacked with Wataru Endo, Ryan Gravenberch, Stefan Bajčetić and Curtis Jones competing for deeper roles.

A return only makes sense if Liverpool have a clear next step.

Still, given Ajax’s dysfunction, staying could do more harm than good.

If Liverpool recall him, several Championship clubs — including teams who sought him in the summer — would likely offer guaranteed minutes. A move to a stable possession-oriented side (such as Norwich or Southampton) would suit his strengths.

A left-field option would be a loan within the Eredivisie to a more settled club like AZ Alkmaar or Utrecht. These sides have strong tactical frameworks and may provide the confidence-building game time he needs.

Either route seems more beneficial than remaining at Ajax.

Liverpool will evaluate McConnell’s situation in December as Slot plans January adjustments. With Ajax likely signing another midfielder, a recall could be confirmed early in the winter window.

👉 Liverpool fans — should McConnell be brought home in January, or given more time in Amsterdam?