Conor can HAK it!

SLOT BACKS BRADLEY IN WAKE OF TRENT EXIT

- By PAUL GORST

T speaks to the influence and importance of Trent AlexanderArnold that Liverpool are forced to contemplate signing a senior right-back for the first time in a decade this summer.

Having initially added Nathaniel Clyne from Southampton in the summer of 2015, the emergence of Alexander-Arnold under Jurgen Klopp meant the Reds haven't needed to bring in a specialist in that area of the pitch since.

The capture of Calvin Ramsay from Aberdeen in the summer of 2022 was completed with one eye on the future, while the likes of James Milner and Joe Gomez have previously deputised whenever Alexander-Arnold has been unavailable.

The subsequent rise of Conor Bradley also means Liverpool may not necessarily need to bring in a first-team starter in the position for next season and beyond, but Monday's confirmation of Alexander-Arnold’s end-of-season exit means it is at least a prospect that must be given some thought inside the corridors of power at the AXA Training Centre.