Liverpool Transfer Latest: Talks Begin Over Deal as Connor Bradley Replacement Targeted

Liverpool FC faces a defensive crisis following the devastating season-ending knee injury to promising right-back Conor Bradley. The 22-year-old was stretchered off during the final moments of a 0-0 draw with Arsenal after collapsing while attempting a clearance, sparking an on-pitch brawl involving Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli, who later apologised.[1]

Club officials confirmed Bradley requires surgery for significant ligament and bone damage, ruling him out for the remainder of the campaign, though he avoided a full ACL tear. This marks the third major injury blow this season, with Giovanni Leoni sidelined by an ACL rupture and Alexander Isak out with a broken leg, severely thinning Arne Slot's backline options.[1]

Jeremie Frimpong, signed last summer as a potential Trent Alexander-Arnold successor, now becomes the primary right-back cover but has been deemed "unreliable" in defence by scouts. Often deployed further forward, Frimpong will shift back, alongside youngster Calvin Ramsay stepping up. In central defence, Slot relies on Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, and versatile Joe Gomez.[1][2]

The injury has prompted Liverpool to accelerate transfer plans. Former Manchester United scout Mick Brown revealed the club is assessing "top-class" right-back targets for a January move, reversing earlier reluctance to sign ahead of Bradley's anticipated return.[2]

Reports indicate concrete interest in Borussia Dortmund's Julian Ryerson, a "Viking" Bundesliga full-back, as a direct Bradley replacement. Liverpool are now considering a move for the versatile defender after evaluating the injury's extent.[3][4]

While contract talks with key players like Alexander-Arnold continue amid the chaos, Slot prioritises bolstering the defence to maintain Liverpool's title challenge. Frimpong's limitations have heightened urgency, with opportunities eyed in the coming weeks.[2]

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