Players - James McConnell

James McConnell
Birthdate: 13 September 2004
Birthplace: Morpeth, England
Other clubs: Sunderland [youth], Ajax (loan)
Signed from: Sunderland [youth]
Signed for LFC: 2019
Liverpool debut: 26.10.2023
Last appearance: 09.02.2025
Contract expiry: Signed a long-term contract on 27 August 2025
Win ratio: 76.92% W:10 D:0 L:3
Games/assists ratio: 13
Honours: League Cup 2024
League games / goals / assists: 3 / 0 / 0
Total games / goals / assists: 13 / 0 / 1

Player Profile

Attacking midfielder McConnell is an outstanding prospect, having arrived from Sunderland at U-15 level. His Reds debut was as a late substitute at home to Toulouse in the Europa League on 26 October 2023. McConnell made his full debut for Liverpool's first team in a 5-2 win against Norwich on 28 January 2024 in the fourth round of the FA Cup and made another start a month later when Liverpool defeated Southampton 3-0 in the following round. In between these starts, he came on as a substitute for extra time of the League Cup final and in League games against Burnley and Luton. McConnell's 2024/25 season at Liverpool was significantly hampered by an ankle injury sustained in late August 2024. This setback not only curtailed his involvement with the U21 side, limiting him to just seven appearances in Premier League 2, but also disrupted potential loan opportunities that were in the works. Clubs in the Championship, including Hull, Blackburn, Derby, Huddersfield, and Birmingham, had expressed interest in acquiring McConnell on loan; however, the injury prevented these moves from materializing.

McConnell returned to training with Liverpool's first team in November 2024. Despite this, he concluded the season still in recovery, culminating in a protective boot during the summer of 2025. This extended period of rehabilitation and limited match fitness contributed to his minimal appearances during the 2024/25 campaign. Recognizing the need for consistent playing time to aid his development, Liverpool arranged for McConnell to join Ajax on loan for the 2025/26 season after he signed a new five-year deal at Liverpool. Arne Slot is a fan of his playing style - characterized by intelligent movement, composure on the ball, and the ability to link defence and attack.

Appearances per season
Season League FA LC Europe Other Total
Totals 3 4 2 4 0 13
2023-2024 3 2 1 3 0 9
2024-2025 0 2 1 1 0 4
A more detailed look at the player's appearances
Apps Minutes Opponent
2 90 Southampton
1 90 Plymouth Argyle
1 90 PSV Eindhoven
1 78 Norwich City
1 44 Sparta Prague
1 33 Chelsea
1 30 Accrington Stanley
1 15 Union SG
1 2 Toulouse
1 2 Luton Town
1 0 Burnley
1 0 Brentford
Total Started/substitutions
4 Started
30 On the bench
9 Substitute
2 Substituted
Total Venue
8 Home
4 Away
1 Neutral
Total Competition
4 FA Cup
3 Premier League
3 Europa League
2 League Cup
1 Champions League
Total W D L Win % Manager
9 8 0 1 88.9% Jürgen Klopp
4 2 0 2 50% Arne Slot
Assists per season
Season League FA LC Europe Other Total
Totals 0 1 0 0 0 1
2023-2024 0 1 0 0 0 1
2024-2025 0 0 0 0 0 0
A more detailed look at the player's assists
Total Opponent
1 Norwich City
Total Competition
1 FA Cup
Total For player
1 Curtis Jones
Milestone Appearances
# Date Against Stadium Competition
1 26.10.2023 Toulouse Anfield Europe