Outgoing assistant manager Pep Lijnders isn’t quite ready to lose all of his Liverpool connections. The Dutchman is already seeking a reunion with one of his former charges as he heads off this summer to join Red Bull Salzburg as head coach.
Speaking to Redmen TV following the announcement of his departure, Lijnders expressed pride in the development of several young players this season, especially young defender Conor Bradley.
“I believed really in Conor Bradley, and Jarell [Quansah] and Caoimhin Kelleher, and Harvey Elliot, and Curtis [Jones],” he said.
“But Conor, what is he doing here? […] He can come to Salzburg immediately, by the way.”
Bradley, who has impressed under Jurgen Klopp, had his breakthrough season at Anfield during the 2023/2024 season, filling in at right-back when Trent Alexander-Arnold was sidelined due to injury.
Despite his strong performances, Bradley’s playing time diminished as Alexander-Arnold returned to full fitness.
An injury of his own also made it difficult for the Northern Ireland international to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup.
That said, Lijnders expressed his belief that Bradley has a big future at Liverpool.
“We have a new right defender, you don’t need to buy anyone,” he enthused.
A LOAN MOVE FOR BRADLEY COULD BE ADVANTAGEOUS
While Bradley does not appear to be in a rush to leave Liverpool, a loan move could be advantageous for his development.
The 20-year-old is expected to be Arne Slot’s second-choice right-back next season if he remains at Liverpool.
However, the young defender’s game time is likely to continue to be limited, with the undroppable Alexander-Arnold ahead of him in the pecking order at right-back.
In that case, a temporary departure might provide him with more consistent playing opportunities.
That said, with the vice-captain increasingly playing in midfield, there could be scenarios where both full-backs feature in the same lineup.
