Ajax are said to have won the race thanks to their head coach John Heitinga liking the England youth international, having previously worked with him at Liverpool as he worked with former boss Jurgen Klopp who rated the teenager highly.
Ipswich Town, West Bromwich Albion, Hull City, Oxford United as well as Austrian outfit Sturm Graz were all said to be interested in the 20-year-old midfielder who will now apply his trade in the Eredivisie.
Technical director Alex Kroes spoke on the move and highlighted McConnell’s mentality and potential as the biggest reasons why they made the move for him this summer.
"James has a real winner’s mentality and will bring the necessary extra power to the squad. With him, we are adding a player who, as a defensive holding midfielder, can contribute valuable qualities to the team.
“He has been part of Liverpool’s first-team set-up for several seasons and therefore knows exactly what is required at the very highest level. He has great potential and will be given the opportunity here to continue his development. We are very pleased that he has chosen Ajax."
He has progressed through the club's Academy system and has appeared 13 times for the senior team to date but was unlikely to feature for manager Arne Slot anytime soon. He will never develop abroad where Heitinga will hope to see him grow as a player once more.