Liverpool consider James McConnell approach as West Brom ready next new transfer
West Brom may have made an approach for Liverpool midfielder James McConnell.
The Baggies have already made one loan signing from the Premier League in Toby Collyer, who made his debut against Wrexham on Saturday, 16 August.
Ryan Mason has shopped at Liverpool this summer already, with £3million defender Nat Phillips impressing in the Championship so far this season.
West Brom’s interest in McConnell was revealed earlier in the window, but the Baggies look to have now stepped up their efforts ahead of a potential loan move.
West Brom among James McConnell suitors
McConnell joined the Liverpool academy at the under-15 level, signing from Sunderland.
The midfielder instantly began to catch the eye and was selected to play in the under-18s, despite being just 16.
The 2023/24 season was seen as an initial breakthrough for the England youth international, who joined Jurgen Klopp’s squad for their pre-season tour.
Appearances in the Europa League and the Premier League followed, with McConnell claiming his first assist for the first team in an FA Cup clash with Norwich.
| West Brom signings 2025/26 |
| Aune Heggebo |
| Nat Phillips |
| George Campbell |
| Krystian Bielik |
| Toby Collyer |
And last season saw the midfielder given further opportunities, even playing the full 90 minutes against PSV in the Champions League.
The time now appears right for the 20-year-old to start playing regular first-team football, however, and West Brom are keen to provide the opportunity.
The Athletic reported on 19 August that the Reds are considering approaches to sign the youngster on loan, with West Brom, Oxford United, Hull City, and Sturm Graz all hoping to sign the talent.
Mason will hope his history of coaching young players at Tottenham can hand West Brom an edge in negotiations, with the head coach already having convinced Collyer that his development is best left in his hands.
What type of player is James McConnell?
McConnell would be expected to play at the base of the midfield for West Brom.
The 20-year-old is slight on the eye, but intelligent on the ball. Two-footed and press-resistant, the midfielder likes to pick up the ball from the centre-backs and scan, often capable of finding a line-breaking pass.
- James McConnell made four tackles against PSV in January.
- The midfielder also enjoyed an 85% pass completion rate and won seven duels.
But McConnell is not afraid of a challenge either, and can be seen throwing himself into lunging tackles to break up opposing attacks.
The Championship will provide a physical test for the Englishman, but there will be no doubt about his technical ability to fit in.
Sign up for the West Brom News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking West Bromwich Albion news sent straight to your phone.