Championship outfit set sights on Liverpool talent for season-long loan

Preston North End are reportedly exploring the possibility of bringing Liverpool midfielder James McConnell to Deepdale on loan as they look to fill the gap left by Ben Whiteman.

Whiteman completed his move to Wrexham this summer, leaving Preston with an important vacancy in midfield ahead of the new Championship campaign. As the Lilywhites continue to assess their options, 21-year-old McConnell has emerged as a potential target.

Reports suggest Preston are interested in securing the Liverpool youngster on a temporary basis before the transfer window closes on September 1. A loan move could provide McConnell with the regular first-team football he needs while giving Preston an opportunity to strengthen their midfield without committing to a permanent transfer.

McConnell’s previous loan spell at Ajax did not go according to plan. He moved to the Dutch club last August after agreeing a new five-year contract with Liverpool, but his time in Amsterdam was cut short in February after he made just seven appearances across all competitions.

With limited game time in the Netherlands, another loan could appeal to McConnell, particularly if Preston can guarantee him a more consistent role at Championship level.

The midfielder has remained part of Liverpool’s first-team setup during the current pre-season and has been given opportunities to impress. However, Leicester City are also reportedly monitoring his situation, meaning Preston could face competition if Liverpool decide another temporary move is the best route for his development.

Despite being only 21, McConnell already possesses valuable senior experience with the Reds. He made his Liverpool debut against Toulouse in the Europa League in 2023 and has subsequently featured in the Premier League and Champions League. He also started their FA Cup victory over Norwich City and was involved in the squad that lifted the League Cup in 2024, coming off the bench in the final against Chelsea.

Replacing Whiteman will not be straightforward. The former Doncaster midfielder had become a key figure at Deepdale after joining Preston in January 2021, making 185 league appearances before his departure for Wrexham.

McConnell would not provide the same level of experience as Whiteman, but his potential makes him an intriguing option. He has already experienced football at one of Europe’s biggest clubs and could benefit significantly from playing regular Championship football.

For Preston, the proposed loan could also represent a relatively low-risk solution. They would strengthen an important position while avoiding the financial commitment of a permanent signing.

With Whiteman now gone and more midfield recruitment seemingly required, McConnell could offer Preston a promising combination of technical ability, youth and first-team experience. A move to Deepdale could also give the Liverpool midfielder the consistent senior football he needs to take the next step in his career.