Preston North End appear to have been dealt a late setback in their search for midfield reinforcements, with Vital Football reporting that James McConnell is now expected to remain at Liverpool for the season.
Only days ago, it had been suggested that the 21-year-old was closing in on a loan switch to Deepdale. Preston were believed to be ahead of Swansea in the race, and the move looked well placed to give the midfielder regular Championship exposure after his previous spell away from Anfield.
That picture has now changed. McConnell is "set to remain at Liverpool for the season", with Andoni Iraola said to rate him highly after a strong summer. The report adds that, "after impressing in pre-season, he will now be staying put and providing depth for Liverpool this season." For Liverpool, that reads as a practical squad decision. Iraola has inherited a group that requires reliable options across multiple competitions, and McConnell's profile, energy and tactical discipline appear to have convinced the new head coach he can contribute.
From Preston's perspective, this is plainly a blow. The club looked to be moving decisively for a young midfielder with upside, and one capable of developing quickly in the right environment. Missing out so late in the process can force a swift pivot in the market.
That next move may already be under consideration. Vital Football notes that Tom Davies "has found himself linked with a move to Deepdale", with the former Everton midfielder currently a free agent following his release by Sheffield United. It is an interesting alternative, although a very different one. Davies arrives with top-flight experience and a recognisable pedigree, but also with a recent record shaped by fitness issues.
The source points out that "Injury problems have hampered his career and derailed what was once a promising one at that." It also notes he made "only 10 league appearances last season", underlining why Sheffield United moved on. There remains a player there, but this would be a gamble based on recovery and continuity rather than momentum.
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As a surprised Liverpool supporter, this report does catch the eye. McConnell felt like one of those players who might benefit from playing every week in the Championship, especially after last season's Ajax loan did not fully take off in league terms. So hearing he is now staying because Iraola rates him highly is a genuine twist.
From a Liverpool angle, there is logic to it. Depth matters, and if the head coach believes McConnell can help across the domestic calendar, then keeping him around makes sense. Pre-season can change decisions, and this sounds like one of those cases where a player has simply trained too well to be let go. "Providing depth for Liverpool this season" may not be glamorous, but it can be an important role for a young midfielder trying to establish himself.
There is also something encouraging in the idea that a new manager has taken a close look and decided to trust him. Supporters always want academy players to have a real path into the first-team picture, and McConnell staying suggests that pathway is still alive.
For Preston, though, it is easy to see the frustration. They seemed close to a smart loan deal and now may need to settle for a more uncertain option. Davies has talent, no question, but his recent injury record makes him a risk. If you are Liverpool, you come away thinking this is a small but potentially meaningful decision for the season ahead.
Source: Vital Football
