Liverpool are preparing for two potential January arrivals, with discussions also underway over a permanent departure.

Liverpool are set to welcome James McConnell and Owen Beck back in January after both loan spells are expected to end early.
The duo had joined Ajax and Derby County respectively in search of regular first-team football, but opportunities have been limited — particularly for McConnell.
Limited minutes on loan
McConnell’s time in the Netherlands has been underwhelming, with the 21-year-old midfielder clocking up just 219 minutes across seven appearances in all competitions. Ajax themselves have endured a difficult 2025/26 campaign and currently sit 16 points behind league leaders PSV.
Beck’s situation in the Championship hasn’t been much better. The 23-year-old left-back saw his loan disrupted by injury and ultimately required hamstring surgery, following a brief 40-minute outing for Blackburn Rovers’ U21s, according to The Athletic.
James Norris edging towards permanent exit
Meanwhile, fellow left-back James Norris (22) could be on his way out permanently. James Pearce reports that Liverpool are in talks over a move to Shelbourne, where Norris has impressed, registering 734 minutes in 11 appearances.
Do McConnell or Beck have a future at Anfield?
Liverpool’s long-term plans at left-back appear to centre on Milos Kerkez, leaving little room for Beck to break into the senior picture. Any further openings may depend on Andy Robertson’s future, especially after previous interest from Atletico Madrid, but Beck is unlikely to be viewed as a key squad option.
McConnell’s case is more intriguing. Arne Slot publicly praised him after a strong Champions League performance against PSV last January, yet his progress since then has stalled.
McConnell’s Liverpool record (2024/25)
4 appearances
237 minutes
After a chance in the FA Cup defeat to Plymouth, McConnell made no further senior appearances before heading out on loan.
With Slot seemingly reluctant to rely heavily on Wataru Endo as cover for Ryan Gravenberch, McConnell’s return could present an opportunity.
Managing Gravenberch’s workload
Although Gravenberch has had enforced breaks through injury and suspension, he still ranks fourth for minutes played across the squad this season — a workload Liverpool will need to manage carefully.
Most minutes played (all competitions):
Virgil van Dijk – 2,250
Dominik Szoboszlai – 2,153
Ibrahima Konaté – 2,032
Ryan Gravenberch – 1,744
That context may yet open the door for McConnell to re-enter Liverpool’s first-team thinking.