Latest news with #JamesMcConnell
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Liverpool Transfer News: 'Highly-rated' midfielder closes in on move
West Brom pick up interest in McConnell In this instance, we are talking about a potential outgoing move for James McConnell rather than another incoming transfer, as Liverpool's midfield is already stacked for the upcoming campaign. But the 20-year-old has impressed Arne Slot over the last year and the decision has been made that he will not be sold. Instead, a loan move is being considered in order to further his development. According to Express and Star, it is West Brom who have expressed the most interest in the Englishman and after being linked with the Baggies, a move is now expected to happen this week. Of course, it is also mentioned that 'a handful of other Championship clubs are set to rival Albion for the highly-rated youngster' but it's clear that one way or another, a loan move will happen for him.
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Liverpool set to hand new deals to duo amid squad reshuffle
Liverpool Show Faith in Youth as Stephenson and McConnell Enter Contract Talks Academy core remains part of Slot's long-term plan While the headlines swirl around Liverpool's aggressive summer recruitment, another key strand of the club's strategy is unfolding more quietly. According to The Athletic, the Premier League champions are in talks with academy products Luca Stephenson and James McConnell over new contracts. These discussions are not glamorous, but they matter. Amid the £170 million already spent on marquee names like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, and with Hugo Ekitike on the brink of joining, the club's commitment to its academy continues to run deep. For all the global scouting and big-money deals, Liverpool still understand the value of homegrown development. Stephenson earns his opportunity Luca Stephenson, 21, returned from a successful loan spell at Dundee United with his stock significantly higher. Slot named him in Liverpool's 29-man squad for the pre-season tour of Hong Kong and Japan, and the midfielder has already featured in the opening friendlies. Photo: IMAGO '[It was] a little bit [of a surprise], yeah. A little bit,' Stephenson told about being included in the tour squad. 'So, it feels kind of even better to feel like you're with more senior boys and learning from more senior players.' After 34 appearances and three goals in Scotland last season, his inclusion is a deserved reward. Stephenson's energy, intelligence and work rate have not gone unnoticed. McConnell set for loan after injury setback James McConnell, 20, is also in line for a new contract. He missed the pre-season tour through injury, but remains part of the club's longer-term vision. A loan move is being arranged to ensure he gets valuable first-team football next season. Photo: IMAGO McConnell showed flashes of quality last term and has impressed coaches with his versatility in midfield. A year out on loan could unlock his full potential and offer Liverpool another reliable option from within. Contract renewals maintain squad balance While the futures of senior players like Ibrahima Konate, Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz remain uncertain, these youth extensions provide stability and continuity. Slot's system relies on tactical understanding and adaptability, traits more easily instilled in players raised through the club's own philosophy. These aren't headline moves, but they reflect smart planning. Amid all the noise of transfer speculation, Stephenson and McConnell's negotiations reinforce Liverpool's continued focus on building from the ground up. Our View – Anfield Index Analysis It is refreshing to see the club not only splashing the cash but also staying true to its roots. Players like Luca Stephenson and James McConnell represent the work being done behind the scenes, the sessions at Kirkby, and the graft that goes unseen while cameras flash for the high-profile arrivals. Stephenson's inclusion on the Asia tour feels significant. It is not just a pat on the back, it is a vote of confidence. With 34 games under his belt last season, he is no longer a rookie. There's a chance for him to become a reliable squad option if he continues this trajectory. McConnell's injury is a setback, but the fact Liverpool are still pressing ahead with a contract renewal tells you how highly they rate him. Loaning him out, as long as it is the right environment, is the smart step. The modern game demands depth, flexibility and trust in the pathway. These renewals show Liverpool are not losing sight of that. Big signings win the headlines, but homegrown players often win the respect of the fanbase. And right now, both sides of the club are delivering.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Liverpool Midfielder Set to Sign New Long-Term Contract
James McConnell's Liverpool Future: A Bright Prospect with Slot's Backing Liverpool midfielder James McConnell is on the verge of signing a new long-term contract at Anfield, as reported by The Daily Mail. The 20-year-old, who impressed Arne Slot last season, is seen as a key part of the club's future despite being lined up for a loan move this season. McConnell's Rise Under Slot Since arriving from Sunderland as a teenager, McConnell has developed into a promising No 6, breaking into the first-team picture last season. His standout moment came in the Champions League against PSV Eindhoven, where he caught the eye of Slot. The Dutch manager even blocked a potential January loan, determined to keep McConnell involved in first-team plans. According to The Daily Mail, 'Slot is a big fan' of McConnell, which explains why Liverpool are reluctant to include any option-to-buy clause in potential loan deals. Interest from Championship sides Ipswich, West Brom and Derby, as well as German Bundesliga clubs, highlights McConnell's rising stock. Minor Injury, Major Opportunity McConnell was left out of Liverpool's pre-season tour of Asia due to a minor injury, described by The Daily Mail as 'just a knock suffered in training'. The club decided against him flying to Hong Kong or Japan, mindful that long-haul travel could worsen the issue. He is expected to be back in full training within a week. Photo: IMAGO This temporary setback does not seem to have dulled Slot's enthusiasm for the young midfielder. A source told The Daily Mail, 'He will have treatment on it this week… He should be fine again in around a week.' It is clear McConnell remains firmly in Slot's plans, even as the manager readies the squad for another Premier League campaign. Ekitike Deal Signals Liverpool's Ambition In parallel, Liverpool have agreed a deal with Eintracht Frankfurt to sign highly-rated striker Hugo Ekitike. The £79 million package, made up of a £69m base fee plus £10m in performance-based add-ons, shows the club's intent to reinforce their attack. Ekitike, previously a Newcastle target, was determined to join Liverpool. As The Daily Mail reports, 'Ekitike only wanted Liverpool and is set to complete a medical in the coming days.' His six-year contract underlines the Reds' long-term vision as they look to build on last season's Premier League triumph under Slot. Bright Future Ahead McConnell's expected contract extension and loan spell are both carefully designed to aid his development. While Liverpool fans will miss seeing him regularly at Anfield this season, a competitive loan should offer him the minutes he needs to further hone his skills. Given Slot's faith, it is no surprise the club are keen to keep McConnell's future in their own hands. Our View – Anfield Index Analysis Liverpool fans have every reason to be buzzing over this news. James McConnell is not just any academy graduate; he is seen by many as the next big thing in midfield. The way Arne Slot has handled him — blocking a January exit, giving him game time in Europe, and now backing a long-term deal — speaks volumes. Supporters will be thrilled to see that the club are not willing to include an option-to-buy in any loan deal. That signals total belief in his potential. A season in the Championship or even the Bundesliga could be perfect, giving McConnell the chance to toughen up, learn, and return sharper. And then there's Hugo Ekitike. What a signing! Poaching Newcastle's top target, securing him on a six-year deal, and dropping nearly £80m shows that Liverpool mean business. Fans are dreaming of a front line with Ekitike adding firepower, especially after the title-winning season under Slot. There's a real sense around Anfield that this is a new era of dominance. With young stars like McConnell coming through and big-money signings like Ekitike arriving, Liverpool supporters can dare to believe they are building something very special.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Liverpool transfer news as Federico Chiesa targeted for Roma move
Liverpool and Roma are in talks over a possible deal for Federico Chiesa to join the Serie A giant on loan, according to reports in Italy. Chiesa has frequently been linked with a return to Italy ever since he moved to England, and his omission from Liverpool's squad for the pre-season tour of Asia has heightened speculation surrounding his future. The 27-year-old barely figured for Liverpool last season, with the Italian being made to wait until after the title had been wrapped up to make his first Premier League start for the club. Chiesa was the most notable absentee from the 29-man Liverpool squad that jetted off to Asia on Sunday, but the suggestion from the club is that he did not travel due to a slight fitness issue. READ MORE: Liverpool agrees $106M fee with Frankfurt for transfer of Hugo Ekitike as add-ons explained READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news LIVE: Ekitike and Alexander Isak deals, Rodrygo talks, Luis Diaz exit Despite that explanation, Chiesa's absence from the squad has obviously prompted more questions surrounding his long-term future at Anfield. Just hours prior to Liverpool's flight to Hong Kong, the Italy international scored in the Reds' 5-0 behind-closed-doors victory over Stoke City at the AXA Training Center. Meanwhile, Liverpool youngster James McConnell is set to leave the club on a season-long loan — but he is expected to sign a long-term contract with the Reds before doing so. There is interest in McConnell from Championship clubs Ipswich, West Brom and Derby, while the Daily Mail says a loan move to the Bundesliga is also on the cards. McConnell was also absent from the group that flew to Hong Kong, but that is because he is currently nursing a minor injury. Another academy youngster, Owen Beck, is believed to be closing in on a move to Derby County, having been the subject of interest from Wrexham earlier on in the transfer window. As well as McConnell and Beck, Liverpool has decisions to make on several other youngsters. There could be money to be made with the sales of players like Ben Doak and Tyler Morton, with both players probably now at the stage of their careers when they should be looking to move on permanently. There are also calls to be made on Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha. Ngumoha is still just 16 so his development is likely to continue in the Reds' academy, but Liverpool might consider whether to send Nyoni, 18, out on loan. Decisions could also be taken on Jayden Danns and Stefan Bajcetic, both of whom were not included in Slot's squad for the tour of Asia.
Daily Mail
21-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Liverpool youngster rated highly by Arne Slot closes in on new long-term deal - after making last impression on Reds boss
Liverpool youngster James McConnell is close to signing a new long-term deal at the club and going out on loan for the season. The 20-year-old midfielder, who played several times for the first team last year and made a lasting impression on boss Arne Slot, is missing from the pre-season tour of Asia with a minor injury. It is understood that the pain is just a knock suffered in training and he will have treatment on it this week — with the decision made not to travel to Hong Kong or Japan due to the fact the flight could exacerbate symptoms. He should be fine again in around a week. McConnell has interest from Ipswich, West Brom and Derby in the Championship for a loan deal, while German Bundesliga clubs have also posted their desire to sign him. Some of those teams have proposed an option to buy clause in the deal but Liverpool are believed to not want to sell McConnell as Slot is a big fan. In January, the Dutch manager blocked McConnell's exit as he saw him as part of his plans after shining in a Champions League game away at PSV Eindhoven. The Reds have reached an agreement with Eintracht Frankfurt over the signing of Hugo Ekitike McConnell joined the club from Sunderland as a teenager and has played as a No 6 since breaking into the first-team picture. Meanwhile, Liverpool have struck a deal to sign highly-rated striker Hugo Ekitike in a deal worth up to £79million. The Reds had been locked in negotiations with the German side after poaching Newcastle's top target. Ekitike only wanted Liverpool and is set to complete a medical in the coming days. The package is a £69m base fee plus £10m in add-ons which are based on team and player performance. The Frenchman has joined on a six-year deal and he will undergo his medical on Tuesday.
