Liverpool announce exit of gifted midfielder as new contract is unveiled.

Promising midfielder James McConnell has signed a new five-year contract with Liverpool and is reportedly close to securing a loan move to Dutch powerhouse Ajax for the rest of the season, according to James Pearce of The Athletic (via X).

The 20-year-old, who made his senior debut for Liverpool in a Europa League match against Toulouse at Anfield in November 2023, is expected to link up with former Liverpool coach Johnny Heitinga in the Netherlands.

Heitinga, a former Everton defender, departed the Premier League champions after a year with Arne Slot’s staff and took over at Ajax earlier this summer.

Liverpool goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros has already joined the Amsterdam club on loan, and McConnell now appears set to follow suit.

Hailing from Morpeth, McConnell was part of the squad that defeated Chelsea in the League Cup final at Wembley during Jürgen Klopp’s final season. He has made 13 appearances for the Reds overall.

Klopp once described McConnell as a “joy to watch,” but the midfielder featured just four times under Arne Slot across all competitions last season. A stint with Ajax, competing in the Eredivisie and Champions League, is seen as a valuable opportunity for his development.

Liverpool extend their best wishes to the England youth international for the season ahead and congratulate him on his new contract.