Liverpool fret as Pep Lijnders hints at transfer exit for star Jurgen Klopp 'loves'

Liverpool’s recently departed assistant coach Pep Lijnders is already seeking a reunion with one Jurgen Klopp favourite.

Lijnders was among those departing Anfield for the final time on Sunday, with the Dutchman taking the reins at Red Bull Salzburg instead.

And Klopp’s trusted right-hand man could look to raid the Liverpool dressing room this summer, with one player believed to be on the Lijnders’ radar.

Speaking to Redmen TV, Lijnders hinted that right-back sensation Conor Bradley could follow him to the Austrian club this summer.

When quizzed on the 20-year-old, along with other young Liverpool stars’ emergences into the first-team this season, Ljinders commented: “I believed really in Conor Bradley, and Jarell [Quansah] and Caoimhin Kelleher, and Harvey Elliot, and Curtis [Jones].

“But Conor, what is he doing here? […] He can come to Salzburg immediately, by the way.”

While somewhat tongue in cheek, Ljinders would no doubt relish the opportunity to work with Bradley again, such has been his success for the Reds.

Despite missing the first part of the season with a back injury, Bradley still managed to register 23 appearances in all competitions, while plugging the gap when Trent Alexander-Arnold was out of action through injury.

Bradley managed to not only endear himself to the Liverpool fanbase, but also the manager as well, with Klopp quick to recognise the young starlet’s quality.

Speaking in February, Klopp said: “I loved him [Bradley] from the first day, I didn’t need a lot of convincing.

“The thing is, Conor showed up extremely good in pre-season, did extremely well at Bolton [on loan].

“Comes back, looks top in pre-season, wow, and then is out for five months [or] four months, [with] like these kind of issues that only young people have, but thank God then time can sort it.”

Bradley’s next step could hinge on the decision of Arne Slot, who will likely take a look at the Northern Irishman in pre-season.

It comes amid talk that Lutsharel Geertruida – a star player for Slot during his Feyenoord spell – could become the 45-year-old’s first signing as Liverpool boss.

A right-back by trade, should Geertruida put pen to paper on a move to Anfield this summer, it could spell bad news for Bradley’s prospects, given his minutes are likely to take a hit as a result.