Jamie Carragher has cautioned Liverpool against pursuing Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola as a direct replacement for Mohamed Salah, emphasizing the club's need for a right-sided winger.
Liverpool are reportedly preparing to submit their first offer for Barcola, who is valued at approximately £145 million by PSG. Sources indicate the 23-year-old French international is open to a move to Anfield, having held talks with Liverpool representatives. Barcola's current contract with PSG has two years remaining, and the French club believes his valuation is justified by his age, potential, and market trends. He has reportedly expressed a desire not to sign an extension with PSG and is receptive to joining Liverpool, who have shown long-standing interest.
Carragher responded to speculation about Barcola potentially succeeding Salah, who departed Liverpool on a free transfer this summer. "No he plays on the opposite flank!" Carragher stated, highlighting that Barcola operates on the left wing. He pointed out that Liverpool already possesses multiple players capable of playing on the left, including Rio Ngumoha, Cody Gakpo, and Florian Wirtz, but lacks a natural right-sided winger. "LFC currently have three players who could play from the left in Rio/Gakpo/Wirtz & no one who plays from the right," Carragher elaborated.
Carragher further stressed the urgency for Liverpool to acquire a right winger before the upcoming season. He explained that while Ngumoha is naturally a left-sided player, and Gakpo might be shifted, the team's primary requirement is a high-caliber player for the right flank. "Need a right winger desperately!" he asserted.
Liverpool had previously expressed interest in RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande, with an £85 million proposal rejected. Diomande was also being pursued by PSG, which could have further limited Barcola's playing time there. However, Real Madrid has since moved to sign Diomande.
Barcola, who is not a consistent starter for PSG, scored 34 goals and provided 28 assists in his last two seasons with the club. He also represented France in all eight of their World Cup matches, scoring three goals. Arsenal and Bayern Munich have also shown interest in the player, and Chelsea made inquiries earlier in the summer. Reports suggest Liverpool will attempt to negotiate PSG's £145 million valuation, as the club had previously sounded out Barcola's representatives last summer when his price was reportedly closer to £75 million. His skillset is considered suitable for new manager Andoni Iraola's tactics, and he could offer a significant goal threat to fill the void left by Salah's departure.