Conor Bradley's 'that's me done here' admission says a lot after Liverpool transfer exit

Conor Bradley's 'that's me done here' admission says a lot after Liverpool transfer exit

Conor Bradley will compete with Jeremie Frimpong to be Trent Alexander-Arnold's replacement next season, but the full-back previously admitted to having doubts about his Liverpool future

Conor Bradley previously had doubts about his Liverpool future (Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images )

It wasn't that long ago that Conor Bradley believed his Liverpool dream was over before it had even begun. But now with Trent Alexander-Arnold's spot in the team up for grabs next season, the right-back's world is his oyster at Anfield.

Bradley accepted a loan move to Bolton Wanderers in 2022 and made 53 appearances as the League One club reached the play-offs and won the EFL Trophy. The Northern Ireland international scored seven goals and registered six assists during his loan spell, with those attacking instincts not going unnoticed by former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and his coaching staff.

‌

Fast-forward to this season, and Bradley made 19 league appearances as Arne Slot's side won the Premier League title. However, it wasn't that long ago that Bradley felt he had little chance of ever usurping Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool.

‌

"They told me that they wouldn't forget about me when I was out on loan," Bradley told the Liverpool ECHO in October 2024. "But at the time, you don't really believe it. You think, 'A loan, that's sort of me done here'. But you have to keep working hard.

"I played around 50 games for Bolton, and it was the best thing for me at that time. It turned me into what I am now, it changed me from a boy into a man. I'm so grateful for the opportunity Bolton gave me to go and play so many games there. It got me ready for coming back to Liverpool and giving it my best shot."

Bradley suffered an injury setback upon his return to the Reds, but would go on to make his Premier League debut in January 2024. The defender's memorable performance against Chelsea, scoring once and registering two assists in a 4-1 win, came just a few days later and cemented his place in the first-team squad. He started Liverpool's League Cup final victory over Chelsea the following month.

Article continues below

Conor Bradley celebrated winning the Premier League this season (Image: Sebastian Frej/Getty Images )

However, the fact that a player as talented as Bradley thought his future may lie elsewhere not only shows how quickly his fortunes changed but also demonstrates how difficult he perceived usurping Alexander-Arnold to be. Before the Englishman's departure to Real Madrid was confirmed, Bradley praised his talented right-back rival.

"Not bad, is he?" Bradley joked to the Liverpool ECHO. "Everybody knows how good Trent is. He's one of a kind as a footballer. But my aim is the same as last season - whenever I get a chance to be on the pitch, I'm going to do my best to help the team. It's about winning the games and giving my all.

‌

"I know I've got some decent competition. If I'm training well, hopefully it can push Trent on and that can only be good for the team."

Conor Bradley spoke about his competition with Trent Alexander-Arnold (Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images )

The 21-year-old will of course face a fresh battle next season as he competes with new £29.5million signing Jeremie Frimpong to be first-choice right-back. The Netherlands international was integral to the Bayer Leverkusen side that achieved an unbeaten domestic double under Xabi Alonso in 2024, registering 26 goal contributions from wingback.

‌

Frimpong racked up another five goals and 12 assists across 48 games this season. But, while it is easy to see why Liverpool were keen to snap up the 24-year-old, Bradley will be buoyed by no longer having to battle Alexander-Arnold for a starting berth and is in a much better position to compete with Frimpong for his name on the teamsheet.

Bradley joined Liverpool from Dungannon Swifts in 2019, making his first team debut in a cup match against Norwich City in September 2021. It was almost two-and-a-half years later that he was handed his Premier League bow, but the Liverpool youngster has not looked back since benefiting from a timely Alexander-Arnold injury.

"It was a long time ago that I'd made by debut so it has been a long journey," Bradley reflected last year. "Obviously I had to go out on loan to prove myself.

Article continues below

"Then I came back, I did my pre-season and then got an injury, which meant I was out for four months. When I got back fit, everything sort of fell in place for me. Trent got injured, and it gave me an opportunity and I tried to take it the best I could. At that stage I was playing twice a week and it was brilliant for me."

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Click here to read article