All eyes were on Anfield on Monday night as Liverpool faced Barnsley in the FA Cup third round.
But while the cup is clearly higher in the Reds’ list of priorities than previous years this season, there are arguably bigger fish to fry in this January’s transfer window.
Liverpool were already looking a little threadbare in defence even before news of Conor Bradley‘s season-ending injury arrived on Sunday.
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A detailed view of the FA Cup trophy on display before the 2025 final between Man City and Crystal Palace at Wembley (Credit: Getty Images/Mike Hewitt).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Mike Hewitt
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After it, the Reds are dangerously close to being on their last legs in terms of options. More help is needed.
Thankfully, as journalist Florian Plettenberg reported while Liverpool were hard at work against Barnsley, the Reds are desperately moving behind the scenes to find a replacement for Bradley.
Liverpool assessing right-back options
It has never been Liverpool’s style to panic in the transfer market, especially in reaction to injuries sustained while the window is open.
Nevertheless, while Arne Slot has three options at right-back available to him, there are concerns that gaps in central defence and in attack may ultimately reduce them further.
Conor Bradley during Arsenal v Liverpool - Premier League
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The smart decision would be to enter the market, and according to Plettenberg, that is exactly what Liverpool are planning to do.
“Understand Liverpool are urgently searching for a replacement for Conor Bradley, who will be out for several months with a knee injury,” he posted on X just moments before kick-off at Anfield.
“Various options are being assessed for the current transfer window. Been told that Julian Ryerson is currently not a candidate for LFC.”
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Marc Guehi pictured at the Emirates Stadium ahead of Crystal Palace's Carabao Cup quarter-final against Arsenal
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Who could Liverpool be targeting?
Rumours had emerged that Borussia Dortmund’s Ryerson could be on the agenda for Liverpool as they look for someone to fill in for Bradley’s absence.
It can be difficult to find the right targets during the winter window, and what has always been clear is that the Reds will not do business if they do not think it is in their best interest in the longer term.
Despite that, there is a feeling that Liverpool cannot go into the second half of the season with what they currently have. To not add to their options would be a big gamble.
As a result, Liverpool may have to compromise a little and go for a player they may not usually look at.
Quite who that is is open for debate. Givairo Read at Feyenoord could be an option, but until some stronger links emerge, we’ll have to wait and see if anything develops.
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