Scottish U-21 defender Calvin Ramsey, signed in the transfer market last summer, was out for most of the season with an injury. Veteran midfielder James Milner, who replaced him at right back, also left the team at the end of last season.
Liverpool is working to revamp its midfield, and there are calls for a new right back. In addition, the position of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who performed at a high level as a midfielder for England, is also a point of concern.
However, James Pearce of The Athletic dismissed the possibility of landing the right back. He believes that Liverpool will be able to cover for Joe Gomez as well as test the development of Northern Ireland defender Conor Bradley, who had a very successful season with Bolton last season, in pre-season.
“As things stand, I’m not aware of Liverpool pursuing a new right-back. [Jurgen] Klopp is keen to take a look at 19-year-old Conor Bradley in pre-season after his excellent campaign on loan at Bolton Wanderers. Joe Gomez can also provide cover there.”
“However, if Liverpool don’t sign a right-back, that suggests we’ll continue to see Alexander-Arnold operating in that hybrid role rather than switching to midfield permanently.”
Bradley, who still has a thin line, cannot immediately compete with Alexander-Arnold for the position. However, the young defender, who has played three games for Northern Ireland, improved rapidly last season and would be a good fit in a reserve role, especially in cup competitions.
Ramsey, also 19, is on a one-year loan at Preston North End, so expectations are high for the former Dungannon Swifts defender.
Will Liverpool go into the new season without a new sideback, as currently expected?