Jamie Carragher has expressed confusion over Liverpool's reported interest in Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, urging the club to prioritise signing a right-sided attacker to replace Mohamed Salah. The former Liverpool defender took to social media to voice his concerns after the Reds were linked with a £145 million move for the 23-year-old Frenchman.
Carragher's reservations
In response to a Sky Sports tweet asking whether Barcola could replace Salah, Carragher wrote on X: 'No he plays on the opposite flank! Liverpool currently have three players who could play from the left in Rio [Ngumoha]/[Cody] Gakpo/[Florian] Wirtz & no one who plays from the right.' He later added: 'Forgot [Victor] Munoz as well!!!!!!'
Liverpool lost Mohamed Salah this summer after his nine-year stint at Anfield ended, leaving a significant void on the right wing. The club quickly signed Victor Munoz from Osasuna for £35 million as Andoni Iraola's first acquisition, but Carragher believes more is needed on that flank.
Liverpool's transfer strategy
Widespread reports indicate Liverpool have held positive discussions with Barcola's representatives and are confident of negotiating down PSG's £145 million asking price. However, the club's interest comes after missing out on RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande, who reportedly agreed to join Real Madrid.
Barcola, a two-time Champions League winner, is more accustomed to playing on the left wing, where Liverpool already have Ngumoha, Gakpo, and Wirtz. Carragher's comments highlight a perceived imbalance in the squad.
Arsenal also in the race
Arsenal are also monitoring Barcola's situation, with manager Mikel Arteta seeking a left winger after Leandro Trossard's departure. The Gunners had previously targeted Vinicius Junior, but the Brazilian has prioritised a contract renewal at Real Madrid.
Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson urged the club to move for Barcola if the Vinicius deal falls through. 'If Arsenal don't get Vinicius, then they have to get Bradley Barcola,' Merson wrote in his Sky Sports column. 'They have to get a left winger in, especially now Leandro Trossard has left. They left themselves very short in that position.'
Impact on Liverpool's season
With the new Premier League season approaching, Liverpool's squad balance remains a concern for pundits. Carragher's intervention underscores the need for targeted recruitment to fill the void left by Salah, who scored 30 goals last season. The club's next moves in the transfer market will be crucial for Iraola's first campaign in charge.
