Liverpool Searching for Conor Bradley Replacement as Transfer Ruled Out

Liverpool FC faces a major setback with Conor Bradley's season-ending knee injury, sustained during a 1-1 draw with Arsenal, but the club has ruled out a January transfer for a replacement.[2][3]

Bradley, the 22-year-old Northern Irish right-back, suffered significant ligament and bone damage requiring surgery. While avoiding ACL tears, he is unlikely to play again in the 2025-26 season, though a return for pre-season or even Northern Ireland's World Cup qualifiers remains possible.[2][3]

Manager Arne Slot must now rely on existing options. Jeremie Frimpong, recently back from injury, has stepped in at right-back, including in the FA Cup win over Barnsley. Joe Gomez, a versatile defender with chronic fitness concerns, provides main cover but is also Liverpool's only backup center-back amid other absences like Giovanni Leoni and Alexander Isak.[2][3]

Emergency solutions include midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai (used five times this season) and Curtis Jones, though deploying them depletes midfield strength.[2][3]

Links to potential replacements—such as Borussia Dortmund's Julian Ryerson (ruled out per Sky Germany), Barcelona's Oscar Mingueza, Daniel Banjaqui, and Monaco's Vanderson—have surfaced, but Liverpool favors loans over permanent deals, consistent with their no-panic-buy policy.[2]

The Reds' stance mirrors handling of Leoni and Isak: manage internally without short-term market dips. Critics question the risk, given Frimpong's forward role lately and Gomez's issues, potentially leaving defenses thin if more injuries hit.[2][3]

Bradley’s absence is a "huge blow," forcing tactical adjustments through season's end as Liverpool prioritizes squad depth over rushed signings.[1][4]

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