James McConnell, a former target for Swansea City, is set to return to Liverpool after a disappointing loan spell at Ajax. The 21-year-old midfielder has attracted interest from several clubs, including the Swans, as the January transfer window approaches. However, Swansea's recent midfield reinforcements may temper any pursuit.
James McConnell joined Ajax on loan from Liverpool at the end of August, but his time in Amsterdam has not gone as planned. The 21-year-old has made just seven appearances for the Dutch club, starting only twice, with his last outing a 12-minute substitute appearance against Galatasaray in the Champions League at the start of November.
Sources indicate McConnell is poised to return to Anfield, though his next move remains uncertain. Clubs such as West Brom, Derby, Oxford United, and Swansea are reportedly monitoring the situation. Swansea had made initial enquiries for the midfielder during the summer but no deal materialized.
Interest from Swansea persists, given their previous admiration for McConnell. However, club sources have downplayed the need for another midfielder this window, citing a strengthened squad after signing 12 players last summer, including Marko Stamenic, Ethan Galbraith, Melker Widell, and Malick Yalcouye in midfield roles.
Swansea's owners recently stated that January is expected to be quiet following the high turnover in the 2025 summer window. They highlighted head coach Vitor Matos's track record with young players and emphasized the current squad size. "Given the high turnover of players in our squad over the 2025 summer window, and Vitor’s track record of developing and improving young players, we do not expect the January window to be a particularly busy one for Swansea City," the owners said. "We will, of course, always be looking for ways to strengthen the squad and if we believe those opportunities are available and would represent good deals for the club then we will look to capitalise. But given the size of the squad we have already, it’s likely January will be relatively quiet."
Both Matos and the owners have indicated willingness to act if the right opportunity arises, leaving the door open for a potential move involving McConnell.
