On loan Bolton Wanderers star Conor Bradley has spoken out of his joy he will reportedly be given a chance when he returns to Liverpool this summer, speaking to The Bolton News.
Bradley has enjoyed a breakthrough season during his loan spell with Bolton, as the club prepares for the playoffs after the closing games of the League One campaign this coming weekend.
Despite their wish to take the Northern Ireland star on loan this summer should they earn promotion, Klopp has stated he wishes to take a close look at his player this summer.
Who is Conor Bradley?
Bradley is a young right-back who joined Liverpool from Dungannon United in September 2019. He signed his first professional deal with the club in July 2020 and signed a long-term extension the following year.
At the age of 17, the defender made his senior debut on the international stage for Northern Ireland in May 2021.
He has featured as part of the Reds’ first team five times, making his debut in a Carabao Cup tie against Norwich City.
He went on to feature in the PL2, where he was nominated for Player of the Season, following three goals and eight assists in 21 appearances that season.
He has since gone on to join Bolton on loan and has enjoyed a stellar season.
Breakthrough season.
This season has been fantastic for the young right-back. The Northern Irish man has helped his side to Wembley this year which saw them beat Plymouth 4-0 to claim the Papa John’s Trophy.
At Wanderers end of season awards, the defender took a clean sweep, as he won Player Of The Season, Players’ Player Of The Season and Young Player Of The Year.
His breakthrough has only been emphasised by his performances as during his campaign he has scored seven goals and provided six assists, helping his side to silverware.
But it is clear that his job is not done until promotion is secured.
Future at Liverpool.
It has been expressed by Ian Evatt his desire to bring Bradley back for another season, but Klopp’s recent comments show he rates the youngster highly and hopes to make him part of his side.
“For sure he’s a contender [to feature next season]. The plan at the moment is to bring him back and keep him but we will see.”
With that being said, there is still a chance of the youngster returning next season, however, it will not be before they are deep into pre-season preparations, if the Premier League side were to sanction another move.
This summer the Liverpool squad will head to the Far East, as well as hosting a training camp in mainland Europe as part of their preparations and this could be the bosses chance to take a proper look at the right-back.
What’s been said?
Bradley has been discussing his time on loan at Bolton and how it has helped him progress as a player, stating that it has taught him a lot and he has grown up during this spell.
Despite this, the season is not finished with Bolton and he is focused solely on that, as he speaks of finishing on a high with the club and hopefully earning promotion.
“This has been a great year for me and the loan has given me everything I wanted. I have grown up, learned how to play men’s football, so to win awards at the end of it all is really nice.
“I have loved my time here at Bolton and I want it to finish on a high in the play-offs.”
Writers View
Bradley’s season has been fantastic and if he performs the way he has during the summer, it is difficult to see him back at the University of Bolton Stadium.
With that being said, it may be too soon to see him playing regular Premier League football, another loan spell with Bolton in the Championship could do more good than anything as they prepare Bradley for the future.
But it is reassuring for many Bolton fans to see one of their stars not allowing himself to be distracted by such high praise.
