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EXCLUSIVE: JAMES MCCONNELL HAS FIRMLY ESTABLISHED HIMSELF IN ARNE SLOT'S SQUAD AND IMPRESSED THE DUTCHMAN EARLIER THIS SEASON. BUT HE FACES A SUMMER DILEMMA, WITH THREE OPTIONS ON THE

TABLE MICHAEL PLANT Liverpool FC Reporter 15:58, 04 Jun 2025Updated 16:33, 04 Jun 2025 Liverpool midfielder James McConnell is considering his future as the summer transfer window opens. The

young player advanced from the Reds' Under-21s to the senior team during the 2024/25 season, solidifying his place in Arne Slot's first-team squad. However, due to the wealth of

talent at the Dutchman's disposal and a lack of injuries within the team, playing time was scarce for McConnell, who made four senior appearances throughout the season. After an

impressive performance in the Champions League defeat against PSV Eindhoven in January, Slot decided not to loan out the 20 year old, a move Liverpool had contemplated earlier in the window.

READ MORE: Milos Kerkez transfer latest as Liverpool aiming to complete dealREAD MORE: Liverpool transfer stance on Luis Diaz amid Barcelona and Saudi links as officials baffled A loan deal

remains on the cards as we head into the summer, with the Reds considering options for a short-term exit that would allow McConnell to further his development away from Anfield. Discussions

about a new contract have also taken place, although Liverpool.com understands that formal negotiations have not yet started. The England youth international signed a long-term extension

last year which runs until 2028, reports Liverpool.com. McConnell might also be open to a permanent departure from the Reds this summer, with significant interest from top Championship clubs

and teams in Germany. Article continues below Sources suggest that McConnell's goal at this point in his career is to secure regular playing time, something that seems unlikely at

Liverpool. Any decision will be based on what is best for the player's long-term development. Slot is also anticipated to influence the player's future. The Liverpool head coach

has been taken aback by the player's progress since his return from injury in November. McConnell primarily trained with the first-team squad this season but did make appearances in the

Under-21s' final six league matches of the term, as the senior team was solely vying for the league at that point. The feeling within Liverpool is that McConnell has outgrown youth

level. The Reds' premature departure from the FA Cup, occurring less than a week after the January window closed, was perceived as a significant setback for McConnell. The midfielder

had hoped to be granted more chances in the competition. McConnell concluded the season with an injury and was spotted wearing a protective boot as the Reds hoisted the Premier League trophy

on the campaign's final day. However, it's believed that was mainly a precautionary measure, and McConnell will be fit for the start of pre-season. The academy product has made 13

first-team appearances for Liverpool, nine of which were under Jurgen Klopp. McConnell participated in the 2024 Carabao Cup final triumph over Chelsea and has also played twice in the

Premier League. Article continues below He is one of several highly regarded academy midfielders, alongside Trey Nyoni, Alvin Ayman and Tyler Morton, although the latter is expected to leave

this summer.