Jamie Carragher has voiced a clear opinion on Liverpool's upcoming transfer strategy, insisting that the club's priority should be finding a direct replacement for Mohamed Salah rather than splurging on Paris Saint‑Germain winger Bradley Barcola. In recent comments to Sky Sports News, the former Liverpool defender explained why, in his view, the Reds are already well stocked on the left side of the pitch but lack a natural right‑wing option to fill the void left by Salah's eventual departure.
According to Sky Sports, Liverpool are preparing an initial bid for the 24‑year‑old French forward, who has also attracted interest from Arsenal. Some reports suggest that the French champions have placed a valuation of roughly £128.5 million on Barcola. While the figure is eye‑catching, Carragher argued that the investment would not address the most pressing need in the squad. "Barcola is a fantastic talent, no doubt about that," Carragher told the broadcaster.
"He plays primarily as a left‑winger, and Liverpool already have a good depth of options on that flank – Cody Gakpo, Rio Ngumoha and the recent signing Victor Muñoz can all operate comfortably on the left. The problem we face is finding someone who can replicate Salah's impact on the right side." He continued, "We have at least four players who could slot in on the left, even before Barcola arrives. That's not the area where we are short.
The balance of the squad would be better served by a right‑winger who can stretch defenses, cut inside and provide the kind of goal threat that Salah has offered for years." Carragher also hinted that a dual‑signing approach could be viable, but he stressed that the primary focus should be on the right wing. "If Liverpool were to bring in Barcola and also secure a quality right‑winger, that would be ideal. It would free up space for other wide players to move on and keep the squad balanced. However, as things stand, this summer feels like the right time to concentrate on a direct Salah replacement.
Barcola does not fill that specific need." The discussion also turned to the potential impact of signing Barcola on Liverpool's promising teenage winger, Rio Ngumoha. The 18‑year‑old, who turned 18 in August, enjoyed a breakout season last term, scoring twice in 19 Premier League appearances and showing flashes of the speed and creativity that could make him a future star.
Carragher acknowledged the risk of stalling Ngumoha's development by opting for an expensive, more experienced alternative. "Rio is a young lad, very talented, and I expect him to build on what he did last season," Carragher said. "Buying a player like Barcola, who is more established and commands a higher fee, does raise questions about the pathway for a youngster like Rio.
If the club spends a lot on a player who occupies the same position, it could limit Rio's chances of getting regular minutes. "That said, Rio could also be deployed on the right side, which would give him valuable experience on both flanks.
At his age, versatility is a plus. The real dilemma is whether Liverpool want to invest heavily in a player who is currently better than Rio, or whether they prefer to nurture Rio and let him grow into a first‑team regular." Carragher reflected on Liverpool's previous transfer decisions, recalling the debate that followed the sale of Luis Díaz.
At that time, the club reportedly decided against signing another left‑winger because Gakpo was expected to cover that area, and there were concerns about hindering Ngumoha's progress. "Back then, the logic made sense – we had Gakpo, and we didn't want to block Rio's development," he explained. "Fast forward a year, and Rio has proven himself to be a tasty prospect.
Yet now the club is considering spending a large sum on a left‑winger again. That inconsistency is puzzling.
It seems Liverpool are caught between wanting immediate quality and protecting the future of a home‑grown talent." In summary, Carragher's assessment suggests that Liverpool's transfer window should be guided by strategic squad balance rather than headline‑grabbing signings. He recommends that the club first identify a right‑winger capable of replicating Salah's dynamism, and only then consider adding Barcola if there is room to offload other wide players.
"If Liverpool can secure a right‑winger, bring Barcola in, and then trim the squad by selling a few of the current wide options, that would be a fantastic outcome," he concluded. Overall, the former defender's message is clear: Liverpool must address the right‑wing vacancy to maintain their attacking potency, while also being mindful of the development trajectory of promising youngsters like Rio Ngumoha. The upcoming transfer decisions will reveal whether the club can strike the right balance between immediate impact and long‑term planning.