Liverpool starlet set for first-team chance as Andoni Iraola makes transfer U-turn - report
Liverpool youngster James McConnell will not be heading out on loan as Andoni Iraola wants to utilise him in the first-team this season.
According to a new report from journalist Alan Nixon, Preston North End were close to signing the 21-year-old before a late twist in proceedings.
Iraola has taken a liking to McConnell and is planning to keep him around as a squad player for the upcoming campaign.
He was reportedly keen to head out on loan for regular game time once again, after spending the first half of last term at Ajax, but will remain on Merseyside.
Preston were the frontrunners for his signature ahead of Swansea City, and they have suffered a huge blow following the Reds' surprise U-turn.
Iraola's desire to retain McConnell is believed to be fuelled by Liverpool's lack of midfield arrivals so far this summer.
James McConnell to be handed Liverpool lifeline by Andoni Iraola
McConnell joined Liverpool from Sunderland at under-15 level, going on to sign his first professional contract in September 2021 at 17-years-old.
Jurgen Klopp promoted him to first-team training in 2023, and described the midfielder as a "pure joy" to watch after a pre-season game that summer.
McConnell's senior debut for Liverpool came in a 5–1 Europa League win against Toulouse in October 2023, and he made eight more first-team appearances that season, including a cameo from the bench in their Carabao Cup final victory over Chelsea.
Injuries restricted him to four more senior outings in 2024-25, before he signed a new long-term contract last summer and headed to Ajax.
The 21-year-old again struggled to make an impact and saw his loan cut short in February due to injury woes after making just seven appearances for the Dutch giants.
He has featured in four of Liverpool's six pre-season friendlies this summer, and has clearly done enough to earn the backing of new boss Iraola.
Kieran Morrison set for Liverpool exit despite pre-season chances
Morrison is another Reds youngster who has had the chance to shine in pre-season, but their options and transfer plans in wide areas are set to see him head out on loan this summer.
The 19-year-old lit up the Premier League 2 last season with 14 strikes in 19 games, and scored his first senior goal for the club in a friendly against Sunderland last month.
Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Bristol City are battling Wolfsburg and Groningen to sign Morrison on loan before the window closes.
New reports have stated that Sheffield Wednesday hold an interest in his services too, with a move away likely to be completed soon.