Carragher urges Liverpool to postpone Barcola deal

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has urged the Reds to reconsider their pursuit of PSG winger Bradley Barcola. Carragher believes the club must prioritise finding a direct replacement for Mohamed Salah, who held down the right-wing position for nine years, before investing in other areas.

While acknowledging Barcola's talent, Carragher highlighted a significant tactical mismatch. The Frenchman typically operates on the left flank, a position where Liverpool currently have several options, including Cody Gakpo and promising youngster Rio Ngumoha.

"The main thing that stands out as an urgent need for Liverpool right now is replacing Salah. And I do not think Liverpool have any player in the squad who feels completely comfortable playing in the right wing position," Carragher stated. Reports suggest PSG value the winger at approximately 150 million euros, a hefty price tag for a player who may not fill the specific void left by the Egyptian star.

Carragher also raised concerns regarding the development of 17-year-old talent Rio Ngumoha. He argued that signing a high-profile, expensive player for the left wing could hinder the youngster's path to the first team. The former defender concluded that while signing Barcola alongside a dedicated right winger—provided other squad members are sold—would be ideal, the current summer strategy should be focused squarely on replacing Salah.