Jamie Carragher has voiced a clear opinion on Liverpool's upcoming transfer strategy: the club should not chase Paris Saint‑Germain winger Bradley Barcola at this stage, but rather concentrate on finding a direct replacement for Mohamed Salah on the right side of the attack. In recent comments to Sky Sports News, the former Liverpool defender explained why a left‑winger like Barcola does not address the most pressing need in Jürgen Klopp's squad.

According to reports from Sky Sports, Liverpool are preparing an initial bid for the 24‑year‑old French forward, who is also being pursued by Arsenal. Some insiders suggest that Barcola’s market value could be around £128.5 million, a figure that reflects his status as a highly rated talent at the European champions.

While the potential signing would undoubtedly add quality, Carragher warned that Liverpool already possess a surplus of options on the left flank. At present, the Reds have several players capable of operating on the left wing, including Cody Gakpo, the versatile Dutch international, Rio Ngumoha, the promising teenage winger, and the newly acquired Victor Muñoz. Carragher argued that stacking the left side with additional personnel could create an imbalance, leaving the right side – where Salah has been a decisive figure – inadequately covered. "He’s a great player, no doubt about that – I’d love to see Barcola at Liverpool," Carragher said.

"But in my view he is a left‑winger. Liverpool’s glaring issue right now is finding a right‑winger to replace Mo Salah. I don’t think we have anyone in the squad who feels completely comfortable on the right flank." He went on to note that, even before any potential Barcola signing, Liverpool already have at least four players who could comfortably occupy the left‑wing role.

"I’m not saying any of those players are better than Barcola," Carragher added, "but in terms of squad balance, the position we need to strengthen is the right wing, not the left." When asked whether he would be pleased if Liverpool signed Barcola and also secured a right‑winger, Carragher replied enthusiastically: "I would be delighted, because that would mean the squad gets the depth it needs on both sides. But as it stands, this summer should be about finding a direct replacement for Salah.

Barcola does not fulfil that requirement." The discussion also touched on the potential impact of a Barcola signing on the development of Rio Ngumoha. The teenage winger, who will turn 18 in August, enjoyed a breakout season last term, netting two goals in 19 Premier League appearances. Carragher acknowledged that bringing in an expensive, established player could limit Ngumoha's pathway to regular first‑team action.

"That is a thought," he said. "Rio is a young lad, very talented, and I expect him to continue improving. However, spending a large sum on a player who currently outranks Rio in the pecking order raises questions about the club’s long‑term planning." Carragher further explained that while Ngumoha could be deployed on the right wing to gain minutes, his natural position is on the left. He recalled the debate that followed Liverpool’s sale of Luis Diaz, when the club publicly stated they did not need another left‑winger because Gakpo could fill that role, and they wanted to protect Ngumoha’s progression.

"At that time, the logic made sense," Carragher noted. "But a year later, Rio has proven himself a tasty prospect, and yet Liverpool appear ready to spend heavily on a left‑winger again. That inconsistency is puzzling." The former defender concluded by suggesting a more balanced approach: "If Liverpool were to sign a right‑winger, bring Barcola in, and then offload a couple of the current wide players, that would be a sensible strategy.

It would address the immediate need for a right‑hand threat while still adding depth on the left, without blocking the development of young talents like Rio." In summary, Carragher’s analysis underscores a strategic dilemma for Liverpool’s transfer window. While Barcola is an attractive prospect, the club’s priority should be securing a player capable of replicating Salah’s impact on the right side.

Simultaneously, any acquisition should be weighed against the growth prospects of emerging talents such as Ngumoha, ensuring that Liverpool maintain squad equilibrium and continue to nurture homegrown potential.