Liverpool has started discussions with Conor Bradley about a new five-year contract.
The new Liverpool manager, Arne Slot, views the Northern Ireland defender as a possible long-term successor to Trent Alexander-Arnold, amid speculation of Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid at the end of the season.
Bradley signed his previous contract just over a year ago, but Liverpool wants to secure him for the future given the uncertainty around Alexander-Arnold.
The 21-year-old’s current contract runs until 2027, and he is reportedly keen to extend his stay until 2030.
Bradley’s current weekly wage is reported to be £10,000.
Liverpool’s new offer is believed to be around £75,000 per week.
This new salary would place Bradley’s earnings on par with more established first-team players in Slot’s team.
With both sides in agreement, a deal could be finalized before the end of the current season.
Alexander-Arnold, along with Mo Salah and Virgil Van Dijk, could potentially leave Liverpool on free transfers at the end of their contracts, which would be a significant setback for the club.
Alexander-Arnold is expected to move to Real Madrid, who reportedly had a £20 million offer for him turned down by Liverpool in January.
However, Liverpool remains optimistic about persuading Salah and Van Dijk to stay.
Bradley’s emergence as a strong option at right-back could ease the impact of Alexander-Arnold’s possible departure.
After a successful loan spell at Bolton in League One during the 2022/23 season, Bradley became a key member of Liverpool’s squad under former manager Jurgen Klopp last season.
Bradley made 23 appearances, including starting in Liverpool’s Carabao Cup final victory over Chelsea.
Slot has continued to show confidence in Bradley this season, giving him 22 appearances already.
The manager’s faith has been repaid with several impressive performances, including a strong defensive display against Kylian Mbappe in Liverpool’s 2-0 Champions League win against Real Madrid in November.
Liverpool has declined to comment on the contract negotiations.
