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Transfer windows can be unpredictable. What looks like a promising loan or permanent move to a continental powerhouse can quickly turn into a cautionary tale of poor planning and unrealistic expectations
Young players are often thrust into unfamiliar environments, asked to perform immediately, and subjected to intense scrutiny if they fail to deliver instant impact.
And it seems like that is the case for Liverpool’s James McConnell.
The 21-year-old has only made 7 total appearances for Ajax so far, with only one of them being a start in the Eredivisie.
With John Heitinga not at the club anymore, McConnell has also lost an endorser at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
And it looks like all of these reasons could cause McConnell to leave the Dutch giants in January, at least according to Ajax correspondent Johan Inan on Algemeen Dagblad ‘s Voetbal podcast.:
“It was crazy,” he said on the deal. “Ajax knew Jordan Henderson was leaving back in January or February. That gives you six months to find a successor. That didn’t happen. The kid is in his early twenties. And yet everyone was advocating for an experienced No.6.”
“I’ll have to see if he finishes the season at Ajax. They’re already looking for a new No.6.”
Inan claims that the Amsterdam giants don’t have a big budget to replace McConnell:
“Maybe €2-3 million. But I think it’s highly likely that the new N0.6 and the left-back they’re looking for will arrive on loan.”
The Liverpool academy graduate has managed just 101 minutes across all of his appearances, which is not an ideal situation for both the player and the Anfield club.
With temporary boss Fred Grim now in charge, McConnell was left unused on the bench for consecutive league matches, suggesting little faith remains in the Liverpool loanee’s ability to contribute meaningfully.
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