EMPIRE FGA SCOUTING NETWORK
James McConnell is a promising Liverpool Academy midfielder who signed a new long-term contract on August 27, 2025, before joining Ajax on loan for the 2025-26 season. His 2024-25 campaign was heavily impacted by an ankle injury sustained in late August 2024, limiting him to just 7 Premier League 2 appearances. Despite the setback, he showed glimpses of quality in cup competitions: Champions League substitute appearances vs Girona (bench, Dec 2024) and PSV (started, Jan 2025), League Cup substitute vs Southampton (2-1 win, Dec 2024), FA Cup substitute vs Accrington Stanley (4-0 win, Jan 2025), and a Premier League bench appearance vs West Ham (5-0, Dec 2024). Liverpool's decision to offer a long-term deal before loaning him to Ajax shows immense faith in his potential. The Ajax loan provides crucial Eredivise experience for his development as he returns from injury.
McConnell's tactical fit and playing style compatibility.
A determined young midfielder who overcame a serious ankle injury to earn a long-term Liverpool contract. His willingness to move to Ajax on loan shows maturity and ambition. The injury setback in 2024-25 will have tested his mental strength, but Liverpool's faith in offering a new deal demonstrates confidence in his character and ability.
| Competition | Season | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liverpool (Premier League 2) | 2024-25 | 7 | โ | โ |
| Liverpool (Champions League) | 2024-25 | 2* | 0 | 0 |
| Liverpool (League Cup) | 2024-25 | 1* | 0 | 0 |
| Liverpool (FA Cup) | 2024-25 | 1* | 0 | 0 |
| Liverpool (Premier League) | 2024-25 | 1** | 0 | 0 |
| *Substitute appearances | **Bench only 2024-25 season heavily impacted by ankle injury (Aug 2024-Nov 2024) |
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Comparing McConnell vs Jones, Elliott, and Bajฤetiฤ
Liverpool Academy and first-team appearances.