Liverpool have confirmed that Conor Bradley has signed a new long-term contract, committing his future to the Premier League champions. The 21-year-old defender has extended his six-year career at Anfield, having joined the youth ranks from Dungannon United in September 2019.
Arne Slot is already planning his squad for next season, and there is an early focus on the right-back situation after Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s decision to depart. Real Madrid will sign the England international on a free transfer this summer, ending his long-term affiliation with his boyhood club.
Liverpool are reportedly on the brink of signing Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong as his replacement, triggering his £29.5million release clause.
But Bradley is set to stick around as an option, and he has laid down his ambitions to improve further under Slot beyond the summer.
“To sign another contract, I’m very proud and happy to see what the next steps on our journey together will be,” Bradley told the club website.
“You’ve just got to keep your head down and keep working hard. It has been a fantastic two years [with the senior team].
“Especially since coming back from loan and doing so well last year, and continuing that this year. It’s been really good. So, hopefully we can keep going and keep making more memories.”
Bradley has made 27 appearances this season, helping Liverpool clinch a record-equalling 20th league title.
The Northern Irishman signed his first professional contract in July 2020 and made his senior debut in September the following year.
After featuring five times in the 2021/22 season, Bradley spent the next campaign on loan at Bolton Wanderers.
He lifted the EFL Trophy at Wembley while being named the Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year, and has since established himself at Liverpool.
Bradley’s Premier League medal follows two League Cups and an FA Cup.
While Frimpong will likely arrive as Slot’s first-choice right-back, Bradley will undoubtedly have a significant role to play as the Dutchman vies to build on a sensational maiden season.
He said: “To play even more games but also to win more trophies. I think the whole point of playing football is obviously to win trophies and be successful.
“So the more of them we can win, the better it will be for me and the whole team. Hopefully, if we can keep doing that, it’ll be a good next few years at the club.”
Content Source: www.express.co.uk