Liverpool move cancelled after player spends nearly a month away from squad

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Liverpool have announced that midfielder James McConnell has rejoined the club following his loan stint with Dutch side Ajax. The 21-year-old linked up with the Amsterdam side during the summer on a season-long temporary deal, but the arrangement hadn't worked out as hoped.

Even prior to John Heitinga's departure as manager of Ajax, McConnell had battled for consistent playing time. The dismissal of the former Liverpool coach, though, affected McConnell further with him failing to feature since.

He hasn't been included in the Ajax squad since early January, and managed a mere seven outings for the club in total. Lately, his omission has been attributed to a shoulder problem.

Earlier in the transfer window, reports emerged that the midfielder had rejoined Liverpool following an understanding between both clubs. This was verified with Liverpool issuing a statement on deadline day.

"James McConnell has returned to Liverpool from his loan spell at AFC Ajax," it read.

"The midfielder joined the Eredivisie side last August and made seven appearances in all competitions. He is now back at the AXA Training Centre with the Reds after the temporary deal with Ajax was ended."

McConnell attracted enquiries from Championship sides regarding a potential January switch. Nevertheless, he has since had surgery on his shoulder problem, which ruled out the prospect of another loan departure from Anfield.

McConnell has clocked up 13 first-team outings for Liverpool thus far. He might now be eyeing up a spot in Arne Slot's squad once he's back to full fitness.

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Slot demonstrated his trust in the midfielder last season by giving him a starting berth in the Champions League group stage encounter with PSV Eindhoven. After that fixture, McConnell expressed his gratitude to Slot.

"It was a really proud moment to start the game and I was really excited," he said. "The boss has put faith in a lot of young lads, thanks to the work the senior lads have done over the course of the season.

"I'm really grateful to the boss and you've just got to take the opportunity when it comes to you."

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