Jurgen Klopp left Liverpool parting gift that could offer Trent Alexander-Arnold solution

Trent Alexander-Arnold's future among fans until his contract situation is resolved one way or another.

The Liverpool right-back , and from January he will be able to negotiate a transfer with foreign clubs ahead of becoming a free agent at the end of the season.

The vast majority of Reds fans want to remain a part of Arne Slot's squad, but with Real Madrid seemingly prioritizing a move for the right-back, there is a fair chance that this season could be the 26-year-old's last as a Red.

If he does leave, it is likely that the man entrusted to replace him in the Liverpool team will be Northern Irish youngster Conor Bradley. And it is thanks to the recruitment work done at youth level during Jurgen Klopp's time in charge that Slot has a player of Bradley's quality at his disposal.

Alexander-Arnold will leave a huge void to fill if he does leave this summer, but the early signs from Bradley have been good. Crucially, too, his presence means the Reds will not need to spend any money to sign a new right-back, which is important given the club will not receive a penny for Alexander-Arnold.

Bradley took a big step in his career during the international break as he skippered his country in Nations League matches against Belarus and Bulgaria. The 21-year-old became Northern Ireland's youngest-ever captain against Belarus, breaking a record that was previously set by Steven Davis, who was a month older than Bradley is now when he led his team out for a friendly against Uruguay in 2006.

Bradley has already represented his country 20 times, and speaking after the convincing 5-0 win over Bulgaria, he said: "It's special and a privilege to be able to wear the armband, especially for this team as everyone works so hard for each other. It's a pleasure to be the captain and walking out tonight was a really special moment. I had goosebumps. I've loved it, one of the biggest honors of my life."

Bradley is clearly a player who embraces leadership responsibilities, and he could end up having to step up at Anfield sooner than he might have expected.