Born in Morpeth and brought up in Sunderland’s lower division, 19-year-old midfielder James McConnell made his long-awaited debut for Liverpool’s first team last season, starting in two FA Cup matches and responding to a string of injuries.
His main position is at the bottom of midfield, but his playing time is expected to be limited next season as fellow 19-year-old midfielder Stefan Bajcetic returns in earnest and will be in competition with Japan midfielder Wataru Endo and Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.
Hull City, where Fabio Carvalho and Tyler Morton spent last season on loan, were interested in the former Sunderland midfielder, but five other clubs – Blackburn Rovers, Derby County, Huddersfield Town and Birmingham City This is Anfield, reported This is Anfield.
A loan move is the ideal option as it is difficult to compete for a starting place at Anfield. If he can secure a regular place throughout the season in the Championship, he will not only gain significant development as a player, but also be exposed to top-level play.
In recent years, Blackburn Rovers have also had a good relationship with Harvey Elliott, having had him on loan in the past. However, the manager’s preference and whether or not he will treat him regularly will be more of a factor in deciding where to loan him than the value of the relationship.
Will the 19-year-old defensive midfielder be on a year-long apprenticeship in search of further development…?