Bradley Barcola’s potential move to Liverpool has sparked debate after the outlet reported the club is preparing an opening offer for the 24‑year‑old French winger, who is also on Arsenal’s radar and valued at about £128.5 million.
Former defender Jamie Carragher questions the fit
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher told the outlet that while Barcola is a talented player, the Reds’ immediate need lies elsewhere. “He’s a great player, there’s no doubt about that – I’d love to get Barcola at Liverpool,” he said, adding that the winger is primarily a left‑side option.
The club’s “big thing that stands out like a sore thumb” is finding a replacement for Mohamed Salah on the right wing. He argued that Liverpool “don’t have anybody really in the squad who looks fully comfortable playing right wing.” The former defender noted that Liverpool already has several left‑wing alternatives, including Cody Gakpo, Rio Ngumoha and recent signing Victor Munoz.
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“They probably have at least four players in the squad before Barcola joins, who could play on the left‑hand side comfortably,” he explained. “Now, I’m not saying any of those players are better than Barcola. But in terms of the balance of the squad, it’s not the position Liverpool need right now. They need a right winger.”
He added, “If you’re saying to me, do I want Barcola to come and Liverpool are going to sign a right winger as well? I’ll be absolutely delighted because players would have to move on. Of course they would.” The former player concluded that “this summer would be about replacing Mo Salah. Barcola doesn’t replace Mo Salah.”
Impact on younger talent
Barcola’s arrival could also affect the development of Rio Ngumoha, an 18‑year‑old who broke through last season with two Premier League goals. When asked whether a high‑priced signing might block Ngumoha’s path, the former defender acknowledged the concern.
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“Rio’s a young lad, he’s really good. I think he’s going to kick on from where he did last season,” he said. “But that is a point: you’re buying a really young player for a lot of money in Barcola, who’s better than Rio Ngumoha right now.”
“When you pay that type of money for a young player in his position, it does leave you scratching your head a little bit.” He noted that there is talk Rio Ngumoha could play on the right and get some minutes there. “As a young player, that’s fine, playing on both sides. But I think his position is the left‑right now,” he said, highlighting the fluidity expected of the teenager.