Liverpool could soon see a pathway open up between themselves and RB Salzburg.
Salzburg have become synonymous in the football world with the development of top young talents in a high energy system.
Liverpool have benefitted from the Austrian’s ethos of giving youngsters a chance, with Sadio Mane, Naby Keita and Dominik Szoboszlai all spending time with the Red Bull club.
Now though, the Reds will have a genuine link to Salzburg. After Pep Lijnders was announced as their new manager and Vitor Matos confirmed to be joining him, there are two coaches who know Liverpool inside out now in situ at the Red Bull Arena.
This could be especially good news for the Liverpool academy. Both Lijnders and Matos have huge knowledge of every level of the Reds’ youth team. The creation of a development highway between the two clubs might just benefit everyone.
Pep Lijnders denied Conor Bradley loan
It will be really interesting to see how Lijnders gets on in his first high-profile managerial role. The Dutchman is highly regarded across Europe and has worked wonders alongside Jurgen Klopp.
Nevertheless, in a new environment, there may be a temptation from Lijnders to revert to something familiar.
As a result, TeamTALK report that the 41-year-old ‘might benefit’ from his relationship with Liverpool by picking up some young players on loan.
One player who is picked out as being of interest to Lijnders is Conor Bradley. Liverpool’s former assistant manager is said to be a ‘big fan’ of the right-back.
READ MORE: Liverpool should be closely watching ‘exciting’ RB Salzburg striker under Pep Lijnders
However, his chances of taking Bradley with him to Austria are claimed to be ‘slim’.
Instead, Arne Slot is reportedly set to make handing the Northern Irishman a new contract one of his ‘top priorities’ when he arrives at Anfield.
Furthermore, Slot is said to be keen on giving Bradley an ‘enhanced role’ and will absolutely not be letting the 20-year-old leave on-loan.
Conor Bradley set for Liverpool role
How much Slot is planning to use Bradley will be linked with what his plans are for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Some have claimed that the new head coach may immediately move Alexander-Arnold into a permanent midfield role.
If that does end up being the case, then Liverpool will need a new right-back. Obviously, Bradley is best poised to then fill that void.
In our opinion, this would be a wise move from Slot. Bradley may not be the finished article just yet, but there’s good reason he’s been described as ‘special‘ by Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler.
He flourished in the team with Alexander-Arnold injured this season and his development should not be stagnated.
On the flipside, if Slot is moving ahead with Trent at full-back, we wouldn’t necessarily be adverse to Bradley being sent on-loan. Joe Gomez could cover in the meantime allowing Bradley to play consistent first-team football.