Arne Slot May Have a New Right-Back Option by This Weekend as Liverpool Look to Cover Conor Bradley

Liverpool FC under manager Arne Slot are actively seeking reinforcements at right-back amid ongoing injury concerns for Conor Bradley, with a potential new signing possibly arriving by the weekend of January 17-18, 2026.[5]

The Reds, sitting fourth in the Premier League and trailing leaders Arsenal by 12 points after a disappointing start to the 2025/26 season, have spent heavily—£446 million last summer—but defensive frailties persist despite new arrivals like Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen.[2][3] Frimpong has shone more as a winger than a reliable right-back, prompting Slot to rely on the injury-prone Bradley or even midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai in that position as a stopgap.[5]

The prime target is João Banjaqui, a highly rated Portuguese youth international who impressed at the U17 World Cup. Described as a "flying full-back" who bombs forward, excels in duels (68% win rate), and offers strong dribbling and passing range, Banjaqui fits Slot's tactical preferences for an inverted full-back. His profile draws comparisons to Paris Saint-Germain's Nuno Mendes, a player Liverpool previously admired but couldn't afford.[5]

This move aligns with Liverpool's busy January window, which opened on New Year's Day. The club has already secured deals for young defenders like 17-year-old centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe from Austria Wien (set for summer 2026) and 18-year-old Mor Talla Ndiaye from Senegal's Amitie FC for £1 million.[2][4] Interest also lingers in centre-backs like Marc Guehi and Nathan Collins amid uncertainties with Ibrahima Konate and aging captain Virgil van Dijk.[2]

Slot remains optimistic about his summer signings, including standout forward Hugo Ekitike (£69m from Eintracht Frankfurt, 11 goals in 24 games), emphasizing team cohesion will improve with time.[2][4] However, addressing set-piece weaknesses—highlighted by Van Dijk—and bolstering the backline are priorities to reignite title hopes during an eight-game unbeaten run.[3]

A Banjaqui deal would provide long-term stability at right-back, allowing Slot to trust a specialist over makeshift options. With the window heating up, Liverpool fans await confirmation.[5]

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