Jamie Carragher does not think Liverpool are in the Premier League title race, and he said so before a ball has been kicked in the 2026-27 season.
“Right now I don’t think Liverpool are equipped to be thinking about a title,” Carragher told the Football Ramble podcast.
The former defender put a specific price on getting his old club back into the argument.
“I don’t think they’re close to that. I think Liverpool need two defenders and a top right winger to be in the chat or be in the chase.”
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Mohamed Salah’s succession was the other question that struck Carragher, who is not convinced by Liverpool’s reported interest in Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola.
“They haven’t replaced Mohamed Salah. We’re going for Bradley Barcola, and I’m sitting there, scratching my head.”
Maresca gets the nod at City
Carragher’s title pick was Enzo Maresca’s Manchester City, and the reasoning came with a familiar name attached. The Italian was appointed to succeed Pep Guardiola at the end of June after a decade under the Catalan.
“I think City. The reason I think City is that I think they were still close last year. I know Pep’s gone, I get that.”
“I’m a fan of Maresca in terms of what he does on the pitch, in terms of what happened at Chelsea, in terms of watching him tactically and how he set up.”
Rodri is the caveat that could unravel the whole prediction. Real Madrid have been linked with the Ballon d’Or winner, and Carragher was blunt on why holding onto him is non-negotiable.
“If Rodri left for Real Madrid then I wouldn’t be saying that but in terms of where they are right now. If you’re City, what’s the point in selling Rodri? What’s the point?”
Arsenal not left off the hook
Arsenal were crowned 2025-26 Premier League champions in May, Mikel Arteta’s first title and the club’s first in 22 years. Carragher still made them one of only two credible contenders. He is not sold on their forward line either.
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“Where we are right now, and we know there’s still a month to go transfer-wise, I can only see Arsenal or City.”
“I still believe with Arsenal that they haven’t got a superstar up front. I still look at them and think that front three shouldn’t win the league.”
Iraola’s Anfield start
The verdict lands as Iraola prepares for his first competitive fixture at the club. The Spaniard was appointed head coach in early June after Arne Slot’s departure and a title defence that finished nowhere near Arsenal.
Liverpool open away at Newcastle United on Sunday 23 August.
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