Liverpool have heavily targeted Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola throughout the summer window, with the two clubs now in agreement in principle for a £120million fee.
PSG’s evaluation of the winger was initially around £140m, therefore, there may be a potential compromise for the extra £20m to be made up in add-ons.
Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo seems to be nearing the exit door before the conclusion of the window, meaning Barcola would be a direct replacement for the Dutchman.
‘Great player, but not a Salah replacement’
Although he’d value Barcola’s arrival, Sky Sports pundit and former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher says the club should still address replacing Mohamed Salah.
“He’s a great player, there’s no doubt about that – I’d love to get Barcola at Liverpool,” Carragher told Sky Sports News. “But he’s a left winger for me.
“Liverpool’s big thing that stands out like a sore thumb right now is replacing Mo Salah, a right winger.
“And I don’t think Liverpool have got anybody really in the squad who looks fully comfortable playing right wing,” he continued.
“They probably have at least four players in the squad before Barcola joins, if he joins, who could play on the left-hand side comfortably.
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Not needed right now
“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,” Carragher added.
“But 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.
“But right now, I felt this summer would be about replacing Mo Salah. Barcola doesn’t replace Mo Salah.”
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Nicole Powell