Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has labeled Mohamed Salah “selfish” following the forward’s public expression of frustration over Liverpool’s failure to offer him a new contract. Salah, 32, has been a key player for the Reds, with 12 goals in all competitions this season, yet his current deal is set to expire at the end of the campaign.
Speaking after Liverpool’s commanding 3-1 victory over Southampton, Salah revealed to reporters that he is “probably more out than in,” hinting at his dissatisfaction with the lack of movement on a new contract. The comments have sparked a flurry of opinions, with Carragher, a former Liverpool defender, expressing his disappointment on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football.
“I must say I am very disappointed with Mo Salah,” Carragher said. “Liverpool have Real Madrid midweek [in the Champions League] and Man City at the weekend. That’s the story right now. If he keeps putting out comments and his agent keeps dropping cryptic messages, that’s selfish. He’s thinking about himself and not the club.”
Divisive Reaction
Salah’s remarks have divided fans and pundits alike. Chris Sutton, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Monday Night Club, suggested Salah’s decision to speak out indicates his desire to remain at Anfield.
“It wasn’t one of those situations where he was cornered. Salah approached the press to get things off his chest. To me, that says he wants to stay,” said the former striker.
Rory Smith of The Athletic echoed this sentiment but pointed out Liverpool’s potential hesitation to commit to a lucrative deal for a player in his 30s. “The club is likely looking at the long-term risks. At some point, performances dip in your mid-30s. It’s a gamble whether Salah can maintain this level for another year, two, or perhaps longer.”
Key Decisions Loom
The debate comes at a crucial moment for Liverpool, who sit eight points clear at the top of the Premier League and face a decisive Champions League clash against Real Madrid. With defender Trent Alexander-Arnold and captain Virgil van Dijk also out of contract this summer, the club is under immense pressure to secure the futures of its star players while focusing on winning silverware.
Carragher emphasized that Liverpool’s priority must remain on winning titles. “The most important thing for Liverpool Football Club this season isn’t the future of Mo Salah, Virgil van Dijk, or Trent Alexander-Arnold. It’s Liverpool winning the Premier League,” he said.
Salah has been a transformative figure for Liverpool since his arrival in 2017, helping the club secure seven trophies, including the Premier League and Champions League. However, Carragher believes the Reds can adapt if necessary.
“Of course we’d miss Salah, but this club doesn’t fall apart when great players leave. Steven Gerrard left, and the next manager won the Premier League. Liverpool will move on,” he concluded.
The Bigger Picture
As speculation continues, Liverpool fans are left wondering: will Salah’s chapter at Anfield extend beyond this season? For now, the Egyptian king remains integral to the Reds’ pursuit of glory, but the shadow of his uncertain future lingers over the club’s remarkable campaign.
