James McConnell's Loan Terminated: Ajax Struggle as Liverpool Midfielder Returns

James McConnell's Ajax dream ends, loan terminated amidst struggling form

Ajax reportedly to terminate James McConnell's loan deal due to poor performance. Liverpool midfielder hasn't featured since November, struggling with match fitness.

McConnell's last appearance for Ajax was in November, and he's been struggling with match fitness...

Ajax is reportedly set to end James McConnell's loan deal prematurely, with the 21-year-old Liverpool midfielder likely to return to Anfield in January. McConnell has struggled to make an impact at Ajax, featuring in just seven matches and totaling 219 minutes since joining on a year-long loan last summer.

The decision to terminate McConnell's loan is reportedly linked to his lack of playing time under caretaker manager Fred Grim, who took over after John Heitinga's sacking. McConnell's last appearance for Ajax was in November, and he's been struggling with match fitness. Liverpool had hoped the loan would help McConnell gain experience in a technically demanding league, but it hasn't worked out as planned.

Ajax was initially looking to add an experienced defensive midfielder after Jordan Henderson's contract was terminated, but it seems James McConnell will return to Liverpool instead. The 21-year-old has fallen out of favor with caretaker manager Fred Grim at Ajax, and Liverpool is expected to bring him back in the January transfer window.

McConnell's time at Ajax has been underwhelming, with just two starts this season, and he's been benched in recent matches. Liverpool's new head of loan management, Gary Probert, is monitoring the situation, and it's likely McConnell will be recalled to Anfield to explore other options.

James McConnell's Struggle at Ajax: 0 Minutes in Over a Month

James McConnell's time at Ajax has been marked by disappointment, with the young midfielder failing to make an impression in the first half of the season. He appeared in just seven matches, totaling 219 minutes, and his only two starts came against Chelsea (5-1 loss) and FC Twente (3-2 win) in late October.

James McConnell x Ajax. pic.twitter.com/V3IweZxnTy

— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) August 29, 2025

McConnell's last appearance for Ajax was in November, and he's been struggling with match fitness. His loan deal is reportedly being terminated, and he'll return to Liverpool in the January transfer window.

James McConnell's last game for Ajax was on November 5th, when they lost 3-0 to Galatasaray. He hasn't played since, partly due to struggling with match fitness.

Ajax is currently struggling, 14 points behind PSV in the Dutch Eredivisie, and bottom of their UEFA Champions League group with zero points from five games. They face Qarabaq in the Champions League on Wednesday.