Liverpool Right-Back Crisis: Conor Bradley Injury Leaves Big Hole That Needs Filling – Should January Transfer Plans Change?

Conor Bradley's devastating knee injury has plunged Liverpool into a right-back crisis, prompting questions over whether the club should alter its January transfer strategy. The 22-year-old Northern Ireland international suffered significant ligament and bone damage during a 1-1 draw with Arsenal, requiring surgery and ruling him out for the remainder of the 2025-26 season, though a pre-season return is hoped for[1][5].

Bradley joins a lengthy injury list, exacerbating defensive woes after Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure to Real Madrid last summer for a nominal fee. Liverpool invested £29.5 million ($39.7 million) in Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen as his replacement, but the Dutchman has struggled with hamstring issues, managing just four Premier League starts this season. He's been fit since Christmas, however, providing some stability[1].

Manager Arne Slot has improvised with midfielders in the position: Dominik Szoboszlai has filled in five times against Newcastle, Arsenal, Burnley, Nottingham Forest, and Galatasaray, while Curtis Jones endured a tough outing in a Champions League loss to PSV Eindhoven[1][6]. The recent return of Wataru Endo from injury offers midfield relief, allowing Slot flexibility, but right-back depth remains thin[6].

Despite the "big hole" left by Bradley, Liverpool's stance is firm: no panic buys or short-term fixes. The club, known for avoiding rash spending, has no plans to sign right-back cover this January, even with long-term absentees like Giovanni Leoni and Alexander Isak[1]. A World Cup in June remains possible for Bradley if Northern Ireland qualifies via March play-offs.

Speculation persists, however. Reports link Liverpool to Monaco's admired right-back, Feyenoord teen Givairo Read, and others amid the defensive crisis, weighing short-term needs against long-term planning[3][4]. Fans debate selling long-time players, but centre-back issues loom larger in 2026[2]. Slot's squad must grind on without major changes.

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