Liverpool Rule Out Permanent Signing to Replace Injured Conor Bradley

Liverpool FC have no plans to make a permanent transfer for a right-back to replace Conor Bradley, who suffered a severe knee injury in a 1-1 draw against Arsenal, ruling him out for the rest of the 2025-26 season.[2][3] The 22-year-old Northern Ireland international sustained significant ligament and bone damage requiring surgery, though it's not an ACL tear, leaving hope for a pre-season return.[3][4]

The club, under manager Arne Slot, is sticking to its policy against panic buys or short-term fixes, mirroring their approach with long-term absentees Giovanni Leoni and Alexander Isak.[2][3][5] A loan deal remains a possibility, but no permanent commitment is expected in the January window.[2] Reports from Sky Germany via The Mirror confirm Liverpool have ruled out Borussia Dortmund's Julian Ryerson, a 28-year-old versatile defender linked with Barcelona and others, despite his four assists in 15 Bundesliga appearances this season.[2]

Other names like Daniel Banjaqui, Oscar Mingueza, and Vanderson have surfaced, but doubts persist over any incoming deals.[2] This decision is positive for Bradley, securing his spot upon recovery and allowing focus on rehabilitation without competition pressure.[4]

Right-Back Depth Under Strain

With Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure to Real Madrid last summer for a nominal fee, Liverpool signed Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen for £29.5 million ($39.7 million).[3] Frimpong, recently back from hamstring issues, has started only four Premier League games but is now fit.[2][3] Joe Gomez provides cover but battles chronic fitness problems.[2]

Slot has improvised with midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai (used five times, including against Newcastle, Arsenal, Burnley, Nottingham Forest, and Galatasaray) and Curtis Jones (struggled vs. PSV Eindhoven in Champions League).[3] Critics question if relying on these options risks squad vulnerability amid ongoing injury woes.[2]

This stance underscores Liverpool's faith in internal solutions during a challenging campaign marked by multiple injuries.[1][5]