Jeff Stelling can’t get head around Conor Bradley news he’s been told at Liverpool
Jeff Stelling has struggled to comprehend contract news he’s heard about Liverpool gem Conor Bradley.
The 21-year-old Northern Irishman has gone from strength to strength at Anfield following his breakout campaign under Jurgen Klopp last term, and is one appearance away from matching last season’s appearance tally.
Bradley has made eight starts and registered two assists so far as he and Trent Alexander-Arnold go toe-to-toe in their bids to become Arne Slot’s starting right-back, albeit he’s currently out with an injury.
With Alexander-Arnold soon to be out of contract at Liverpool, and a move to Real Madrid looking likely in the summer, Bradley is well placed to succeed the 26-year-old as Liverpool’s long-term option at right-back.
Bradley contract talks confuse Jeff Stelling
The Reds are well aware of the qualities Bradley brings to Slot’s side with and without Alexander-Arnold ahead of him, and as a result have started contract talks with the Liverpool defender’s representatives.
| Player | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards |
| Trent Alexander-Arnold | 36 | 32 | 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Conor Bradley | 22 | 8 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
Bradley’s current deal ties him down at Anfield until 2027, but speaking on talkSPORT (3 March, 7:20am), Jeff Stelling questioned the extent to which a new contract would boost his salary by.
Stelling said: “Bradley has reportedly been offered a new five-year contract worth 650 per cent more than his current £10,000 a week deal…
“Which by my calculations means he’s been offered £65,000 a week?”
Bradley contract figure suggests Liverpool don’t fully trust him yet
A 650 per cent pay rise would certainly be welcomed in any line of work, but given that Bradley has been billed as Liverpool’s first-choice right-back for years to come, that £65,000-per-week figure is surprising.
With the Reds on course to win the Premier League title at a canter, in the EFL Cup final and the favourites to win the Champions League, you’d expect any standout player to be earning north of £100,000 weekly.
Bradley’s £10,000-per-week salary instead being multiplied by 650 would equate to a an annual salary of £6.5million, equating to a £125,000 weekly wage which would be far more fitting for his role in the side.
If Alexander-Arnold does depart this summer, Liverpool could still be on the hunt for potential replacements at right-back, despite Bradley’s performances making him the heir apparent on the flank.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for Slot’s two right-backs beyond this summer, but with Bradley’s contract talks seemingly going better than Alexander-Arnold’s, the Reds’ priorities are clear.