Liverpool Reveals Bold Strategy After Conor Bradley Injury Rocks January Transfer Plans—Exclusive
Liverpool are unlikely to pursue right-back reinforcements in the remaining January transfer window, despite Conor Bradley sustaining a season-ending knee injury.
While avoiding the feared ACL tear, Bradley still endured "substantial" ligament and bone damage following an awkward clearance attempt during the recent 1–1 stalemate with Arsenal that left him collapsed on the turf. The 22-year-old was stretchered off and needs surgical intervention.
He's unlikely to feature again for Liverpool during the 2025–26 campaign, though no official recovery timeline exists and participating in June's World Cup remains possible should Northern Ireland advance through March's UEFA play-offs.
Currently, The Athletic reports that securing cover for Bradley this month, or indeed for other long-term casualties Giovanni Leoni and Alexander Isak, isn't being considered. Barring World Cup commitments, Liverpool anticipates Bradley's fitness for pre-season's commencement.
Significantly, given their established philosophy against panic purchases or pursuing temporary solutions, "they wouldn't execute a permanent acquisition for such a timeframe."
Evaluating Liverpool's Right Back Options
Evaluating Liverpool's Right Back Options
Following Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure for a minimal fee in June, Liverpool invested £29.5 million ($39.7 million) in his replacement, securing Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen. The Dutch international has battled his own fitness issues this campaign, managing just four Premier League starts due to hamstring complications, though has maintained consistent availability since Christmas.
Paradoxically, much of Frimpong's recent appearances have come in advanced positions. However, he operated at right-back during Monday's FA Cup victory against Barnsley—his first start there since Bradley's injury.
The primary alternative behind Frimpong is adaptable defender Joe Gomez, who has operated across the defensive line throughout his 11-year Liverpool tenure. He's experienced only minor injury setbacks this season, though serves as the sole center-back deputy while Leoni remains sidelined.
Dominik Szoboszlai has also functioned as makeshift right-back on five occasions this season—versus Newcastle United, Arsenal, Burnley, Nottingham Forest and Galatasaray. Curtis Jones has provided additional cover, though struggled during the Champions League thrashing by PSV Eindhoven.