Ryan Mason pursuit of West Brom target thwarted by ex-Premier League star as deal agreed
West Brom are still keen on adding to their squad before the transfer deadline, but have now missed out on another key target.
The Baggies have brought in five players so far, but three of them are centre-backs as Krystian Bielik followed Nat Phillips and George Campbell in this summer.
West Brom appear to be pursuing loan deals, but were beaten to the signing of Tottenham starlet Mikey Moore by Rangers, despite Ryan Mason previously working with him.
Mason has now faced more frustration over another target, with a former Premier League star beating him to a very highly-rated talent.
West Brom target James McConnell to join Ajax
West Brom were linked with Liverpool midfielder James McConnell earlier this window, as it emerged that they were eager to loan him out for first-team experience.
McConnell is very highly rated at Liverpool, and is seen as a key talent for the future, and his choice of loan club was an important decision to make.
| West Brom signings 2025/26 |
| Aune Heggebo |
| Nat Phillips |
| George Campbell |
| Krystian Bielik |
| Toby Collyer |
The Athletic have now reported that Ajax have agreed a deal to sign McConnell on loan, with the midfielder also penning a five-year contract at Liverpool.
It is reported that Ajax beat West Brom, Hull City, Oxford United and Sturm Graz to his signature, with Liverpool carefully choosing the Dutch giants as his next destination for a key reason.
While it is disappointing from Mason’s perspective, at least now the West Brom boss can move on and focus on other targets.
John Heitinga plays crucial part in James McConnell move
Former Netherlands centre-back John Heitinga played for Everton and Fulham in the Premier League, but joined Arne Slot as Liverpool’s assistant manager last year.
After winning the title, he returned to Ajax to become their permanent manager, and it is reported that his presence there, and his knowledge of Slot’s system, gave them the upper hand over West Brom and Mason in the race to sign McConnell.
Heitinga’s previous work with Slot could see him pick up Liverpool’s top talents, but Mason has not found this same favour with Tottenham, and Ange Postecoglou’s departure at a similar time to his may have impacted his ability to loan some of their top talents.
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