McConnell, 20, joined Liverpool from Sunderland in 2019. He made his professional debut for the Reds in 2023, when Jurgen Klopp substituted him in against Toulouse in the UEFA Champions League.

Since then, McConnell has played 13 matches for Liverpool, including wearing the captain's armband in the U21s. His contract was set to expire next summer, but Liverpool has extended it with five years.

Liverpool views McConnell as a "future first team squad player." Along with signing a contract extension, McConnell will be loaned out to Eredivisie side Ajax. He will be reunited with former Liverpool assistant John Heitinga.

Ajax reportedly beat several European clubs, including West Bromwich Albion, Hull City, and Oxford United, to secure McConnell's signature. The Amsterdam side's swift negotiations, Champions League football, and Heitinga's knowledge of Arne Slot's game gave them an advantage.

Ajax has been looking for a new controlling midfielder since the departure of captain Jordan Henderson. Henderson left the club on a free transfer in June and joined Brentford in the Premier League.