Liverpool transfer decision explained as Ajax make statement after deal

Arne Slot talks to James McConnell

Ajax technical director Alex Kroes has explained why his club moved to bring Liverpool youngster James McConnell in on loan.

McConnell has joined the Dutch giants for the rest of 2025/26 campaign after signing a new long-term contract with the Reds.

a number of clubs were interested in taking the 20-year-old for the remainder of the campaign. Ipswich Town, Hull City and Sturm Graz were just three sides keen to sign the midfielder.

Liverpool were ultimately impressed with the plan Ajax put forward to help further McConnell's development.

The Dutch giants are managed by John Heitinga, who was Arne Slot’s assistant last season.

And Kroes believes in the shape of McConnell, who progressed through the Reds' Academy after arriving from Sunderland at under-15 level, his club have signed a player with a winning mentality who has great potential.

Kroes said: "James has a real winner’s mentality and will bring the necessary extra power to the squad.

“With him, we are adding a player who, as a defensive holding midfielder, can contribute valuable qualities to the team.

“He has been part of Liverpool’s first-team set-up for several seasons and therefore knows exactly what is required at the very highest level.

“He has great potential and will be given the opportunity here to continue his development. We are very pleased that he has chosen Ajax."

The midfielder will link up with Liverpool team-mate Vitezslav Jaros, who moved to The Johan Cruijff ArenA on loan back in June.

And McConnell said: “It feels really good (to be an Ajax player) and I am excited and I can’t wait to get started.

“(I heard they were interested) three, four or five days ago, and obviously the manager, John Heitinga, rang me and said that he thinks I can help the team.

“When a club like this comes asking, you can’t say no. He (Heitinga) worked at Liverpool last year and he helped me a lot.

“I know how intense he is and what his expectations are. I am looking forward to working with him again.

“I want to come and try and help this club. And, like I said, you can’t say no when a team like this comes.”

Asked about talks with Jaros, McConnell revealed: “I did (speak to him) and he couldn’t be any more positive. I didn’t need any convincing anyway, so it was fine.

“I spoke to him and asked him what to expect coming over here and a bit about the city, as I already knew how big the club was.

“He was really positive and said it was a great group of guys in the team. He said the fans are crazy and are really and some of the best fans he has seen.

“He said they (the fans) expect you to give 100 percent every game and leave everything on the pitch, which I think I can do.”