Midfielder James McConnell and left-back Owen Beck are both expected to return to Anfield earlier than planned after their respective loan spells failed to deliver regular playing time. McConnell has spent the season with Ajax, while Beck has been on loan at Championship side Derby County.
Limited Impact on Loan
Neither player has enjoyed the kind of breakthrough they would have hoped for away from Merseyside.
McConnell, 21, has struggled to break into the Ajax first team, managing just 219 minutes across seven appearances in all competitions. The Dutch giants have endured a difficult campaign and currently sit well adrift of Eredivisie leaders PSV, leaving little room for experimentation with young loanees.
Beck’s situation has been even more frustrating. The 23-year-old defender saw his progress at Derby halted by injury. Reports indicate he required surgery on a hamstring problem sustained during a match against Blackburn Rovers’ U21 side. As a result, his season in the Championship has been cut short.
Norris Nearing Permanent Move
While McConnell and Beck look set to return, another Liverpool youngster could be heading out the door for good.
Left-back James Norris is reportedly in advanced talks over a permanent transfer to Irish club Shelbourne. The 22-year-old has impressed during his time in Ireland, clocking up 734 minutes in 11 matches, and now appears ready to take the next step in his career away from Anfield.
What Does the Future Hold?
The big question remains whether McConnell or Beck have a realistic long-term pathway into Arne Slot’s plans.
Liverpool are widely believed to be targeting a more established option at left-back, with Hungary international Milos Kerkez strongly linked as a future first-choice solution. With Andy Robertson still in the squad and competition high, Beck may find it difficult to force his way into serious contention.
McConnell’s case is slightly more intriguing. The young midfielder was previously praised by Slot after an impressive Champions League performance last year, but his momentum has faded since then. Apart from a handful of appearances – including a tough FA Cup outing against Plymouth – opportunities have been scarce.
With Liverpool keen to carefully manage the workload of key players like Ryan Gravenberch, there could yet be an opening for McConnell to prove his worth during the second half of the season.
Midfield Workload Concerns
Gravenberch has been a crucial figure for the Reds this term, featuring heavily across all competitions. Despite occasional enforced rest due to injury and suspension, the Dutchman remains among the most-used players in the squad.
Only Virgil van Dijk, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ibrahima Konaté have logged more minutes so far this campaign, highlighting the need for reliable depth in midfield.
If McConnell can impress upon his return, he may provide valuable cover as Liverpool push on in the Premier League and Europe.
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