There are plenty of reasons for Liverpool fans to be concerned right now. The Reds have failed to win either of their first two Premier League games, both 2-2 draws with Newcastle and Nottingham Forest. There are also clear weaknesses in Andoni Iraola's squad, namely at full-back and in midfield, raising serious questions as to whether this team is capable of challenging for the biggest honours.
Having said all of that, one enormous reason to be excited is the belated arrival of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain. The French international was officially unveiled as a Liverpool player on Monday, having joined for £106 million plus £17 million in achievable add-ons.
Barcola has not played any minutes since the World Cup Third Place play-off in Miami on 18 July, scoring as France were beaten by England 6-4 during that bonkers game at Hard Rock Stadium. Thus, it remains to be seen if he will be available to start Friday night's Premier League clash against Ipswich Town at Portman Road, with the Reds' Champions League opener against Atlético Madrid right around the corner.
Nevertheless, speaking on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, following Arsenal's win at Villa Park, Jamie Carragher was clearly very excited to see Barcola in a red shirt for the first time.
"I've been critical, slightly, of Liverpool about how they have gone about their business, but there is no doubt that he is a huge upgrade on what they've got, in terms of left wing position, no doubt... the Premier League is lacking stardust with certain players. He should provide that. "Jamie Carragher
However, Carragher is not blind to the fact that Barcola certainly does not solve all of Liverpool's problems. It remains a massive question mark who will be the Reds' right-winger, as the former defender, who played 737 times for the club, outlines.
"On the right side, it looks like [Cody] Gakpo is staying. He did great at the weekend, great cross for the goal, but it is not natural for him. So I think they'll have to almost fudge the right side with Gakpo, Víctor Muñoz and Rio Ngumoha as well. They're not natural players for that side... There's still more work to do. "
"There's no doubt he's an upgrade on what they've got" 📈@Carra23 insists that Liverpool still have work to do despite the marquee signing of Bradley Barcola. pic.twitter.com/twbwXFEVs7
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 31, 2026
The key point though is that Barcola represents a "huge upgrade" when compared to Liverpool's other wide-attacking options, which is pretty inarguable. The France international scored 39 goals and racked up 37 assists for Paris Saint-Germain, of which 21 came during the 2024/25 campaign, when he was at his peak during his time at Parc des Princes.
Thus, the 23 year old should immediately be one of the best forwards in the Premier League. How he clicks with Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, both of whom were also signed for in excess of £100 million, as Carragher outlines, will be key to determining whether or not this move is a success.
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