Liverpool have blueprint for future success as deal agreed – and former Everton star is to thank
Liverpool have now agreed a deal which should serve them well now and in the future, and it could be the start of a very fruitful partnership.
The Reds have spent heavily this summer, but have also sold well with several first-team players leaving, including academy product Jarell Quansah.
Quansah joined Bayer Leverkusen for a huge fee, albeit with a buyback clause, in a deal hailed by many as the perfect move from Liverpool to protect a future asset.
The spending this summer shows an ambition to continue winning with Arne Slot in the here and now, but there is also an eye on how the squad will be built for the future, and there is another plan in place for player development at Liverpool.
James McConnell agrees Ajax loan move
Midfielder James McConnell is one of the highest-rated youngsters at Liverpool, and he has tasted first-team action under Jurgen Klopp and Slot.
With Quansah sold, and Rio Ngumoha scoring on his Premier League debut, Liverpool clearly have different paths in mind for their best young talents.
| Season | Appearances | Minutes Played |
| 2024/25 | 4 | 237′ |
| 2023/24 | 9 | 238′ |
The Athletic have now reported that McConnell has signed a new long-term deal at Liverpool, and has agreed to join Ajax on loan for the season.
It is reported that Liverpool see McConnell as a future first-team star, and carefully chose Ajax as his next destination for a key reason.
James McConnell to reunite with John Heitinga at Ajax
Slot sprung a surprise when he recruited former Everton star John Heitinga as one of his assistants when he arrived at Liverpool, and the former centre-back proved to be a useful asset with the Reds.
Heitinga departed this summer to become the permanent manager of Ajax, but this is now to Liverpool’s advantage.
McConnell’s loan move to Ajax was reportedly motivated by Heitinga’s presence, as a coach who could follow Slot’s style, and prepare the midfielder for a future role at Liverpool.
This will mean that loan moves to Ajax will be even more useful than loans elsewhere for Liverpool’s best talents, and any youngster they believe has a future under Slot could develop well under Heitinga.
Liverpool can therefore future-proof their squad with players such as McConnell gaining first-team experience in a similar system, which could lead to more success, and their previous capture of the former Everton star is now even sweeter.
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