Liverpool Block Midfielder’s Exit Despite Agreement Being Reached
Liverpool have reportedly stopped a planned departure from Anfield despite already reaching an agreement with the club involved.
While Curtis Jones is edging closer to a £30m move to Inter Milan after 16 years with Liverpool, another academy graduate, James McConnell, had also been expected to leave on loan.
McConnell was set to join Championship side Preston, with the club reportedly agreeing a deal and offering him regular first-team opportunities. However, Liverpool have now decided against the move.
According to reports, McConnell spoke with manager Andoni Iraola last Friday and was informed that he remains part of the first-team plans after impressing during training. Sporting director Richard Hughes also reportedly told the midfielder that there is no fixed hierarchy in midfield, meaning both McConnell and Trey Nyoni will have opportunities to compete for playing time.
The 21-year-old featured in four of Liverpool’s pre-season matches and also started behind-closed-doors against Como last weekend.
McConnell has made 13 senior appearances for Liverpool, with his most recent coming in the FA Cup defeat to Plymouth Argyle 18 months ago. His loan spell at Ajax last season was also cut short.
However, with Jones potentially heading to Italy, McConnell could now have a greater opportunity to establish himself in Liverpool’s first-team squad.
Although he may initially have to settle for substitute appearances and domestic cup matches, Liverpool’s decision to cancel his loan move could be a major boost to his confidence.
The midfielder will now hope to seize his opportunity and follow the same path Jones took in establishing himself as a first-team player at Anfield.
