Liverpool must follow Man City example after Conor Bradley blow and bring forward transfer plan

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Liverpool’s plans for the right-back position have been complicated by the injury setback suffered by Conor Bradley, forcing the club to reassess its defensive depth and succession planning behind Trent Alexander-Arnold. With Bradley sidelined for a significant period, Liverpool risk overburdening Alexander-Arnold or being exposed if further injuries occur.

The article argues that Liverpool should follow Manchester City’s example in how they have proactively managed squad depth, particularly in full-back areas. City have consistently anticipated potential problems and acted early in the transfer market, signing high-quality cover or competition before a crisis emerges. This approach has allowed them to absorb injuries without a major drop in quality or tactical flexibility.

For Liverpool, Bradley was expected to be a long-term understudy and potential successor to Alexander-Arnold, offering defensive reliability and energy on the flank. His injury now accelerates the need to bring forward transfer plans for another right-back option instead of waiting for a future window. The article suggests that relying solely on internal solutions or makeshift options could undermine Liverpool’s competitiveness over a long season across multiple competitions.

By signing a capable right-back sooner than planned, Liverpool would not only protect themselves in the short term but also create healthy competition for places, much like City’s model under Pep Guardiola. This would help manage Alexander-Arnold’s minutes, enable tactical rotations, and ensure that any long-term transition away from total reliance on him is smoother and better controlled.

Ultimately, the piece concludes that Bradley’s blow should act as a catalyst: if Liverpool want to maintain elite standards and keep pace with City, they must be decisive and proactive in the transfer market, prioritising defensive depth now rather than later.