Liverpool’s right-back planning has moved back into focus as Andoni Iraola prepares for the first hard decisions of his Anfield rebuild.
The Reds have already been reported to be prioritising a new option on that side of defence, with This Is Anfield outlining concerns around Conor Bradley’s recovery timeline and Jeremie Frimpong’s failure to fully settle as a guaranteed first-choice defender.
The wider market picture has sharpened again after fresh reports around potential right-back alternatives, leaving Liverpool with a delicate call before pre-season properly opens.
Iraola Faces Early Squad-Balance Call
Bradley remains central to Liverpool’s long-term thinking, but his comeback cannot be rushed. Empire of the Kop relayed that the Northern Ireland international is targeting a return to training shortly after the new season starts, with medical caution still expected after a lengthy absence.
Bradley: viewed as a major long-term piece, but still rebuilding fitness.
Frimpong: available, yet still under scrutiny as a defensive fit.
Iraola: must decide whether cover is essential before the USA tour.
The key detail is timing. Iraola told Liverpoolfc.com that pre-season minutes would be valuable for judging players, especially those with fewer senior opportunities.
That makes the next fortnight important. Liverpool have already built a clear staff structure, as covered in our Iraola backroom-staff reset analysis. The right-back decision now gives that new group one of its first live squad tests.