Liverpool issue Conor Bradley CHALLENGE after contract renewal

Conor Bradley delighted Liverpool fans over the weekend when it was revealed he had signed a new contract.

Previously signed up until 2027, there was a background fear among supporters that the Reds could be forced into an uncomfortable situation over the defender consider he would only have two years left on his deal.

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This renewal proved far more straightforward for sporting director Richard Hughes however than the recent prolonged negotiations for both Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.

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Bradley, 21, is now under contract at Anfield until 2029 and is set for bigger and better things in the seasons ahead.

Although Liverpool are signing Jeremie Frimpong - following the triggering of his Bayer Leverkusen release clause - Bradley will have a part to play in the post-Trent Alexander-Arnold planning.

Conor Bradley fitness issues

Long groomed as a successor to the England man, Bradley has already featured over 50 times for the first team - rarely letting Jurgen Klopp or Arne Slot down.

He may well go head to head with Frimpong over a starting place at right-back, although his new Dutch counterpart can provide multiple options for Slot - including right wing-back, right midfield and even right wing.

However, in order for Bradley to really nail down in the team going forward, there is one outstanding issue he needs to sort out.

“The challenge going forward is ensuring that his body can handle the demands of playing regularly at the highest level,” reads a report in the Athletic.

That revelation perhaps best reflects Liverpool’s chief concern over Bradley - namely that he struggles to stay consistently fit.

Bradley must repay Liverpool's faith

His entry into the first-team squad for the 2023/24 season was delayed over a back injury and last season he picked up an ankle knock towards the end of that season.

Given his breakthrough in the previous campaign, Bradley was tipped to kick on under Arne Slot but two injuries have really slowed him down.

He missed nine matches after damaging a hamstring in the Champions League victory against Real Madrid at Anfield in November. That coincided with Trent having a spell out of the team, highlighting Liverpool’s need for right-back cover.

In February he was injured during the 2-2 Premier League draw against Aston Villa - missing another eight matches - and is not long back in first-team contention.

When on the field, Bradley is imperious, driving forward to make chances and enthralling fans with his full-blooded commitment. But Liverpool have to manage him carefully to make sure he hits his full potential.

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The new contract is a strong show of faith in the youngster from Liverpool and now the Premier League title winner is going to have to repay that by demonstrating he can stay fit.