Liverpool youngster James McConnell’s absence from the club’s final pre-season friendlies against Sevilla and Las Palmas suggests that an exit is likely this month. McConnell, who had been with the first team during pre-season, was unable to feature in the United States tour due to a minor injury. However, even after recovering and rejoining training, the 19-year-old was still left out of the matches at Anfield.
This absence comes at a time when McConnell has attracted interest from at least five clubs for a potential loan deal. However, given the circumstances surrounding his peers, a permanent move cannot be ruled out either. Both Bobby Clark and Ben Doak are also available for transfer, but the club seems to prefer temporary agreements unless a significant offer is made.
McConnell’s name has been linked with clubs such as Hull, Blackburn, Derby, Huddersfield, and Birmingham. However, it remains uncertain if any of these clubs have changed their stance since the initial reports two months ago. Liverpool’s pursuit of a new No. 6 before the transfer deadline further hints at McConnell’s standing under manager Arne Slot. It seems that Slot favors Ryan Gravenberch among his current options for that position, while Wataru Endo, Tyler Morton, and Stefan Bajcetic are potential alternatives, although doubts surround their futures as well.
The fact that McConnell was unused throughout pre-season and omitted from the final warm-up games at Anfield strongly suggests that he is likely to leave the club this summer. Developments regarding his future are expected in the coming days, especially since he will turn 20 next month and Liverpool is looking to finalize several deals as their preparations near completion.
In addition to McConnell, other players set to depart from Liverpool include Kaide Gordon, Owen Beck, Sepp van den Berg, Nat Phillips, and Rhys Williams. Lewis Koumas has already joined Stoke on loan, while Calvin Ramsay and Luke Chambers are heading to Wigan. Fabian Mrozek has joined Swedish side IF Brommapojkarna for the season. Liverpool has also reached an agreement with Brentford worth up to £27.5 million for the transfer of Fabio Carvalho to west London this week.
At the moment, there are no other known transfer targets for Liverpool apart from Zubimendi.