Carra: Liverpool don't need Barcola

Jamie Carragher has advised Liverpool to prioritize signing a right-winger replacement for Mohamed Salah rather than pursuing Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola. The former Liverpool defender believes the Reds would be better served addressing their flank depth, where Salah has been instrumental in their attacking setup. Salah has contributed 18 goals and 13 assists across all competitions this season, making his potential departure a significant concern for Arne Slot's squad as they challenge for Premier League and European silverware.

Barcola has emerged as one of Ligue 1's most exciting talents since his €50 million transfer to PSG from AS Monaco in 2023, scoring 17 goals in 40 appearances for the French champions. However, Carragher's assessment reflects Liverpool's tactical needs and current squad composition. The Anfield club already possesses creative attacking options in their midfield setup, with their primary weakness lying in securing adequate cover for Salah's position on the right wing. With the Premier League table tightly contested and Champions League progression demanding squad depth, finding an experienced winger alternative becomes crucial for sustained performance across multiple competitions.

Liverpool's January transfer window strategy now hinges on identifying a realistic right-wing target who can provide competition and backup to Salah. The club faces mounting pressure to strengthen their squad before the February transfer deadline while maintaining financial prudence. Barcola's reported price tag of approximately €60-70 million would represent a substantial investment for a positional luxury rather than a necessity. By contrast, securing a proven right-winger available at a reasonable fee could provide immediate tactical flexibility, allowing Slot to manage Salah's workload throughout a demanding season competing for domestic and continental honors.