Liverpool are preparing for life after Trent Alexander-Arnold. The club’s long-serving right-back looks set to swap Anfield for the Bernabeu this summer, and everyone thinks about the obvious solution — Conor Bradley.
While his exit is now being confirmed, becoming another football’s worst-kept secret. That leaves manager Arne Slot with a massive question: Who fills Trent’s boots?
Naturally, eyes turned to Conor Bradley. The 21-year-old is highly rated by the club and fans alike.
He’s already had a few memorable moments in red, including a famous Champions League clash with Real Madrid.
He’s shown that he can handle the spotlight. But the spotlight doesn’t last long if you’re stuck on the treatment table.
And that, right there, is the problem.
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Conor Bradley: Injury history
Season Injury From To Days Out Games Missed
2024/25 Muscle Injury Feb 19, 2025 Apr 3, 2025 44 8 (Liverpool)
2024/25 Hamstring Injury Nov 27, 2024 Jan 3, 2025 38 9 (Liverpool)
2023/24 Ankle Injury Apr 14, 2024 May 5, 2024 22 6 (Liverpool)
2023/24 Back Injury Jul 25, 2023 Nov 29, 2023 128 25 (Liverpool & Northern Ireland)
Stats via Transfermarkt
On talent alone, Bradley looks like a ready-made replacement. But talent doesn’t win titles if it’s on the bench nursing a hamstring.
Since becoming a part of the senior squad, Bradley has missed 47 games. That’s more than Trent has missed in the last four seasons combined. You can’t build a Premier League title run on injury updates and hope.
Even if Bradley stays fit, asking him to go from 600 minutes a season to 3,000 is a huge leap. Just ask Ryan Gravenberch’s legs — they didn’t enjoy the same jump this year.
And then there’s the contract situation. Bradley has two years left and has reportedly already turned down a new offer.
He’s waiting to see what Liverpool’s plan is. The club can’t commit to a long-term deal if they’re unsure of his body. He can’t commit without knowing his place in the pecking order.
As it stands, the smart play for Liverpool is to keep Bradley in the squad — but not build the squad around him.
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Vishal Bhawani
Liverpool is my Religion and Anfield is my Church. 17th May 1996 the date I had my blood coloured red. The one you love the most you can not live without it and that is football to me.