Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has warned his former club that pursuing Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola should take a backseat to finding a direct successor for Mohamed Salah. According to Goal, Carragher emphasized that the English club’s most glaring squad deficiency is on the right wing following the departure of the Egyptian star, who manned that flank during a successful nine-year career at Anfield.
Carragher Urges Liverpool to Prioritize Salah Replacement
Sources told ESPN that Liverpool are preparing an opening offer for Barcola. European champions PSG reportedly value the 23-year-old French international at around €150 million, or roughly £128.5 million, with Arsenal also tracking the forward. However, speaking to Sky Sports, Carragher noted that Barcola predominantly operates on the left side.
He is a wonderful player, there is no doubt about that, and I would love to see Barcola at Liverpool,
Carragher said, before adding, But for me he is a left winger.
Squad Balance and the Left-Wing Surplus
Carragher highlighted that Liverpool already possess multiple options who feel comfortable playing on the left flank. Cody Gakpo, teenager Rio Ngumoha, and new arrival Víctor Muñoz currently give the Reds depth in that specific area of the pitch, whereas the right wing lacks a natural occupant.
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The team probably have at least four numbers in the squad before Barcola joins, if he joins, who can play on the left side quite comfortably,
Carragher explained. The main thing that stands out as an urgent need for Liverpool right now is replacing Salah, who was playing as a right winger. And I do not think Liverpool have any player in the squad who feels completely comfortable playing in the right wing position.
While Carragher acknowledged he would be delighted if Liverpool managed to sign a right winger alongside Barcola—noting that squad departures would naturally follow—he maintained that the summer transfer window should have been dedicated entirely to addressing the void left by Salah.
Concerns Over Youngster Rio Ngumoha’s Pathway
The potential arrival of Barcola also raises questions regarding the development of 17-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha. The young prospect recently scored in a friendly win over Wrexham and enjoyed a breakout campaign last term, making 19 Premier League appearances.
Carragher noted that blocking the pathway of a rising talent after previously expressing caution about their development creates mixed signals in transfer strategy.
Rio is a young lad, and he is really excellent, and I think he will keep developing from what he showed last season,
Carragher said. Yet 12 months on, Liverpool are going to break the bank for someone in that position. When 12 months earlier they said they didn’t want to block Rio’s path. So there are a few things with Liverpool transfer-wise at the moment where I’m still scratching my head a little bit.
Ultimately, according to Kickoff, Liverpool find themselves in a wider rebuilding phase under new manager Andoni Iraola following a fifth-placed Premier League finish last season. Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah remains unattached and continues to evaluate his next destination following interest from clubs in Italy, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.
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