Academy star signs new contract and Arne Slot praises Conor Bradley

An Academy star signed his first professional contract while another Academy graduate continues to shine in every way possible.

Northern Ireland v Bulgaria - UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League C Group C3
Northern Ireland v Bulgaria - UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League C Group C3 | Charles McQuillan/GettyImages

It was confirmed early on Friday that Liverpool have secured one of their brightest young talents for the long-term as they signed 17-year old Trey Nyoni to his first professional contract.

In addition, Reds manager Arne Slot was full of praise for his young right-back Conor Bradley who shined while on international duty for Northern Ireland.

We're here covering some big news headlines surrounding Liverpool Football Club and what they could mean both now and in the future, so let's jump right into things.

Nyoni's new contract well-deserved

The young attacking midfielder is largely seen as one of the best young players in Europe and the Reds giving him his first professional contract was a mere formality than any kind of shrewd business.

Nyoni has been at Anfield for a little over a year and he has wasted little time making an impression with coaches and fans as he has rapidly risen through the Academy ranks all the way to making a few Senior appearances.

Trey Nyoni, Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool v Sevilla - Pre-Season Friendly | Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/GettyImages

He is the Liverpool U19 Captain and he surely has one of the brightest futures of any Reds Academy player. His advanced technical skills on the ball means he will be a great fit for the very technical Slot system currently being deployed these days.

He can unlock a defense with a threaded pass or as we saw in the preseason, he can also put the ball in the back of the net regardless of the opponent.

While the Reds boast one of the strongest squads in England, the presence of four competitions to play in means Nyoni should see his chances to show his worth to everyone at the club.

Hopefully this is only the first of many contracts he signs in Red.

Arne Slot heaps praise on Conor Bradley

Conor Bradley had the armband for Northern Ireland as they thumped Bulgaria 5-0 in a very impressive UEFA Nations League match during the recent slate of international matches.

It was only the most recent feather in the cap of a young player that has seen his stock soar in the last 12 months at a rapid rate.

Conor Bradley, Crysencio Summerville
Liverpool v West Ham United - Carabao Cup Third Round | Visionhaus/GettyImages

He more than admirably filled in for an injured Trent Alexander-Arnold last season and he has only gotten better and better. The presence of a world class talent like TAA somewhat caps his opportunities, but he has shown he has all the talent needed to still shine even in a limited role.

Speaking in his pre-Chelsea press conference, Slot showed his appreciation for the young right-back.

"“But he is a very good player and although he has big competition from Trent, normally very good players find their way into the team. That’s what I also expect with him in the future at this club.”"
Arne Slot on Conor Bradley

This confidence in Bradley is good to see and it comes at an interesting time with Alexander-Arnold being locked in a contract standoff with the club. Might the Dutchman be sending a message to his No. 66?

Bradley is one of the more established young players in the Liverpool first team and his role is secure now and in the future.

Slot clearly is a big fan of his and based off what we have seen to date, the boy from Castlederg is more than ready for the challenge.