‘Liverpool sensation James McConnell wanted in English transfer switch’
Liverpool’s summer has so far been dominated by news of their former academy graduate Trent Alexander-Arnold heading for the exit at Anfield.
The 26-year-old closed out his stint at his boyhood club by claiming his second Premier League title, and he also has a Champions League title to his name, in what is an already glittering career.
His departure was always going to be a significant blow to Arne Slot and the club as a whole, but it may not be long until there is a new homegrown hero in L4.
Academy stars like Ben Doak and Jayden Danns have made significant strides this season in their bid to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Alexander-Arnold, Connor Bradley and Curtis Jones.
Liverpool youngster James McConnell is drawing interest from several clubs
There can be no doubt about the fact that Liverpool have one of the country’s finest academies. Over the years, the club have produced countless footballing icons, and that looks unlikely to change any time soon.
However, one of their current youth setup’s most promising talents could be heading out of the door this summer.
James McConnell is reportedly drawing interest from several clubs in the upper reaches of the Championship, as well as having admirers in Germany, according to the Echo (4 June).
The 20-year-old has once again received several first-team opportunities this season, having been handed his first taste of senior action last season. The midfielder has featured in both domestic cups for the Reds this term, and even played the full 90 minutes in their Champions League defeat to PSV Eindhoven back in January.
McConnell has been earmarked as a player with a huge future ahead of him, but could be prized away from L4 before he properly breaks into the first-team fold.
His current contract is due to run until 2028, but discussions have been held about the possibility of a new deal, which would tie him down for the foreseeable future.
The England youth international would be a big loss for Liverpool if he were to leave on a permanent basis, but the Merseysiders are also weighing up the possibility of sending him out on loan for the upcoming season.
Liverpool shouldn’t sell McConnell this summer
It makes little sense for Liverpool to sell McConnell this summer, given the progress that he has continued to make.
The Reds have big aspirations for their summer window, and have already seen two bids for Bayer Leverkusen star, Florian Wirtz, rejected. That will undoubtedly be a costly transfer if they can get it over the line, but Liverpool shouldn’t be selling young talents in order to raise those funds.
McConnell clearly has a bright future and is seemingly at the stage of his development where he is ready for more regular senior action, whether that comes at Anfield or elsewhere.
Given the fact that his current contract still has three years to run, Liverpool are under no pressure to make an immediate decision on whether he will be good enough to carve out a career at the top level.
They would surely be better served by loaning McConnell out, continuing to monitor his progress, and moving him on next summer if they don’t think he will develop as expected.