Liverpool's Transfer Window Dilemma Deepens Ahead of Premier League Opener

Major departures have reshaped the squad: Mohamed Salah moved to Trabzonspor, Andy Robertson to Tottenham Hotspur, and Ibrahima Konate to Real Madrid.

The club opened talks with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for winger Bradley Barcola, a player Liverpool has long pursued.

PSG values Barcola at £145 million, demanding this figure for the winger.

Liverpool aims to pay considerably less, having previously refused to improve on a £100 million bid.

Jamie Carragher expressed bewilderment over the Barcola pursuit, stating, "They are supposed to be going for Barcola, and I'm sitting there scratching my head thinking the manager and the people sorting the transfers out know a lot more than I do about what's going on behind the scenes, but we have about four players who can play left wing, and we are going for Barcola."

Carragher further emphasized a critical void in the squad, noting, "They haven't got one player who plays on the right wing in the squad."

Michael Owen echoed concerns about the valuation, remarking, "That sounds extortionate, doesn't it? For someone that's not proven in the Premier League."

Owen added, "If it gets to £145m, I mean, wow, that's eye-watering."

Despite the significant valuation gap, Liverpool received encouraging signals from Barcola's camp regarding a potential move.

Separately, Liverpool targets Ibrahim Mbaye from PSG, an 18-year-old right-winger who joined the PSG academy in 2018.

Mbaye is valued between £34.2 million and £43 million; reports from France indicate he would prefer a move to Anfield.

Carragher outlined Liverpool's urgent needs, stating, "I think Liverpool need two defenders and a top right winger to be in the 'chat' or in the chase. They haven't replaced Mo Salah."

Michael Owen reflected on the historical context, observing, "There's so many great wide players at Liverpool over the years. And it feels like there's a dearth of them, of course, now at Liverpool."

Carragher concluded, "Where we are right now, and there is still a month to go transfer-wise, I can only see Arsenal or Man City (winning the league)."

Conflicting reports suggest Liverpool stands ready to pay around £100 million for Barcola, while other claims indicate PSG wants a fee closer to £140 million.