Conor Bradley will battle Jeremie Frimpong for the right-back spot at Liverpool after Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure to Real Madrid, but he previously doubted his future at the club
Conor Bradley applauds the Liverpool fans
Conor Bradley's future at Liverpool now looks very promising(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Conor Bradley had doubts about his Liverpool future just three years ago. The right-back will now hope to establish himself as Trent Alexander-Arnold's successor next season after he initially struggled to see a pathway to the first team in 2022.
That summer, Bradley was loaned to Bolton Wanderers, delivering standout performances across 53 appearances as he helped the team reach the play-off places and win the EFL Trophy. With seven goals and six assists to his name, Bradley's flair for attacking caught the eye of the Liverpool coaching team.
Now a key part of the Reds' squad, Bradley featured in 19 league matches as Arne Slot steered the club to Premier League glory this term. Despite his success, it wasn't too long ago that Bradley thought he had little chance of competing for Alexander-Arnold's spot in the team.
Reflecting on his loan move to Bolton with the Liverpool ECHO in October 2024, Bradley said: "They told me that they wouldn't forget about me when I was out on loan. But at the time, you don't really believe it. You think, 'A loan, that's sort of me done here'. But you have to keep working hard.
"I played around 50 games for Bolton, and it was the best thing for me at that time. It turned me into what I am now, it changed me from a boy into a man. I'm so grateful for the opportunity Bolton gave me to go and play so many games there. It got me ready for coming back to Liverpool and giving it my best shot."
Bradley initially struggled with an injury upon his return to Liverpool, but eventually made his Premier League debut in January 2024. He quickly made a lasting impression with a standout performance against Chelsea, scoring a goal and providing two assists in a 4-1 victory, which solidified his position in the first-team squad. He was also a starter in Liverpool's League Cup final win over Chelsea the following month.
Conor Bradley and Trent Alexander-Arnold
Conor Bradley spoke about his competition with Trent Alexander-Arnold
However, the fact that a talented player like Bradley considered his future might lie elsewhere not only highlights the rapid change in his fortunes but also underscores the difficulty of surpassing Alexander-Arnold. Bradley spoke highly of his right-back counterpart before his move to Real Madrid was confirmed.
"Not bad, is he?" Bradley quipped to the Liverpool ECHO. "Everybody knows how good Trent is. He's one of a kind as a footballer. But my aim is the same as last season - whenever I get a chance to be on the pitch, I'm going to do my best to help the team.
"It's about winning the games and giving my all. I know I've got some decent competition. If I'm training well, hopefully it can push Trent on and that can only be good for the team."
The 21-year-old is set to face a new challenge next season as he battles with the club's £29.5million signing Jeremie Frimpong for the coveted right-back spot. The Dutch international was a key player in Bayer Leverkusen's unbeaten domestic double success under Xabi Alonso in 2024, contributing to 26 goals from his wingback position.
Frimpong has also impressed this season with another five goals and 12 assists over 48 matches. Although Liverpool's interest in the 24-year-old is understandable, Bradley will be encouraged that he no longer has to contend with Alexander-Arnold for a place in the starting line-up. He is well-placed to challenge Frimpong for a regular spot on the team sheet.
Having transferred to Liverpool from Dungannon Swifts in 2019, Bradley made his senior debut in a cup tie against Norwich City in September 2021. It wasn't until nearly two and a half years later that he finally got his chance in the Premier League, an opportunity he has seized ever since an injury to Alexander-Arnold opened the door.
"It was a long time ago that I'd made my debut so it has been a long journey," Bradley recalled. "Obviously I had to go out on loan to prove myself.
"Then I came back, I did my pre-season and then got an injury, which meant I was out for four months. When I got back fit, everything sort of fell in place for me. Trent got injured, and it gave me an opportunity and I tried to take it the best I could. At that stage I was playing twice a week and it was brilliant for me."