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 future replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who might transfer to Real Madrid at the end of this season.
Bradley signed his previous contract just over a year ago, but the club wants to secure him for the long term because of uncertainty around Alexander-Arnold’s future.
The 21-year-old’s current contract ends in 2027, and he is reportedly keen to extend it until 2030.
It is understood that Bradley currently earns £10,000 per week.
Liverpool’s new contract offer is believed to be around £75,000 per week.
This new salary would place Bradley at the same level as 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, Mo Salah, and Virgil Van Dijk could potentially leave Liverpool for free 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 hopes to convince Salah and Van Dijk to remain at the club.
Bradley’s emergence as a strong option at right-back could lessen the impact of Alexander-Arnold’s possible departure.
After a successful loan spell at Bolton in League One in 2022/23, Bradley became a key squad member under previous manager Jurgen Klopp last season.
Bradley played 23 games and started in Liverpool’s Carabao Cup final victory over Chelsea.
Slot has continued to support Bradley this season, giving him 22 appearances already.
The manager has been rewarded with impressive performances, including a strong defensive performance 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.
