Jamie Carragher has questioned whether Liverpool should pursue Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, arguing the Premier League club must prioritise replacing Mohamed Salah’s influence on the right flank before investing heavily in a left-sided attacker.
Barcola ranks among Liverpool’s leading targets following an impressive campaign with PSG and performances for France at the FIFA World Cup. Recent reports suggest the Reds are weighing a major bid, with PSG reportedly valuing the 23-year-old at around £145 million. PSG will entertain offers if their valuation is met, though the French champions hold firm on their asking price.
The former Liverpool defender argued that signing another left winger would not solve the club’s most pressing need. Carragher believes Liverpool already command capable left-sided options and that spending a huge fee on Barcola would distract from addressing the significant void left by Salah’s departure. He feels the Reds should instead prioritise finding a player capable of replicating the Egyptian’s consistency, creativity and goal output—qualities that have defined Liverpool’s modern attacking play.
“He’s a great player, there’s no doubt about that – I’d love to get Barcola at Liverpool,” Carragher told Sky Sports News. “But he’s a left winger for me.
“Liverpool’s big thing that stands out like a sore thumb right now is replacing Mo Salah, a right winger. And I don’t think Liverpool have got anybody really in the squad who looks fully comfortable playing right wing.
“They probably have at least four players in the squad before Barcola joins, if he joins, who could play on the left-hand side comfortably.
“Now, I’m not saying any of those players are better than Barcola. But in terms of the balance of the squad, it’s not the position Liverpool need right now. They need a right winger.
“But if you’re saying to me, do I want Barcola to come and Liverpool are going to sign a right winger as well? I’ll be absolutely delighted because players would have to move on. Of course they would.
“But right now, I felt this summer would be about replacing Mo Salah. Barcola doesn’t replace Mo Salah.”
The debate comes as Liverpool continue to assess their attacking options under Andoni Iraola ahead of the new season. Barcola, a Lyon product now central to Luis Enrique’s PSG midfield, remains admired within the Anfield hierarchy, but any deal would demand a substantial financial commitment given PSG’s firm stance.
Liverpool’s interest in Barcola is understandable: his pace, creativity and one-on-one dribbling ability are undisputed, and his FIFA World Cup campaign further enhanced his reputation. Yet Carragher contends that recruitment strategy should follow tactical necessity rather than star-power. Replacing Salah’s goals, creativity and consistency will be an enormous challenge—one that must take priority.
His comments reflect a wider discussion among supporters, many of whom acknowledge Barcola’s quality but question whether he addresses Liverpool’s most urgent need. With Salah’s departure creating a significant gap on the right, many believe the club should first identify a player capable of matching that threat before strengthening the left wing.
Carragher’s comments underline Liverpool’s dilemma: Barcola’s pace and creativity are undisputed, but replacing Salah’s influence on the right may yet prove the more pressing strategic need.
