Liverpool boss Arne Slot backs Conor Bradley as Alexander-Arnold successor

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has suggested that Conor Bradley is being lined up as the natural successor to Trent Alexander-Arnold, while also indicating that the club won’t be particularly active in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Bradley’s efforts to stake his claim as Alexander-Arnold’s long-term replacement have been disrupted by two separate injuries this season.

Fellow right-back Joe Gomez has also struggled with fitness issues, further complicating Liverpool’s defensive depth.

Slot believes both players have suffered from inconsistency due to their limited time on the pitch, but he appears confident in their potential.

The Dutchman also hinted at continuity within the squad, suggesting that significant changes are unlikely this summer, especially with Mohamed Salah signing a new contract and captain Virgil van Dijk expected to extend his stay as well.

Slot said: “There are not so many reasons to make it a busy summer because we are quite well-placed in the league and we have only lost in the Champions League against an incredible side who we were better than for 90 minutes at our stadium.

“Conor, I think, has only had one or two injuries this season and was fit for most of the season before. Joe has a bit more of a history of injuries, but it’s also very difficult for a player like him (to stay fit) because he’s been in and out of the team more than he might want.”

Conor Bradley has become a fan favourite at Anfield thanks to his attacking drive and fondness for a crunching tackle.

Bradley has been restricted to just nine starts this season due to injuries

He has proven to be a reliable deputy for Trent Alexander-Arnold whenever called upon. Having recently returned from a hamstring injury, Bradley has been restricted to just nine starts this season.

Meanwhile, Joe Gomez has been sidelined since February after undergoing surgery to repair a hamstring issue.

Slot added: “To keep those players fit is always more difficult than the ones who play almost every game.

“I don’t look at Conor as a player who can only play 20 games a season because last season he was fit all the way through and this season he’s had two injuries.

“I think we can only judge Conor on his fitness if he is good enough, which I think he is, to become a regular starter for us.”